Changing world order 1945-2011

A learning sequence where students investigate key features of the changing world order 1945–2011.

The historical concepts and skills content is to be integrated as appropriate.

The topic ‘Changing World Order’ focuses on shifting world power structures throughout the mid-late 21st century. Central to this study is the emergence of the United States as the world’s primary superpower, in addition to the role of the United Nations and the implications of the collapse of the USSR. This unit also focuses on the more recent emergence of new global powers, including the role of non-government agents (terrorist organisations), BRIC and the European Union and how these have in many ways diminished the influence of the United States of America in the later 21st century.

Key features

  • the ‘American Century’
  • collapse of the USSR and its impact on Russia and Eastern Europe
  • nature of post-Soviet Russia and Eastern Europe
  • role of the United States in post-Cold War global history
  • challenges for US foreign policy
  • role of the United Nations

Syllabus

Please note:

Syllabus outcomes and content descriptors from Modern History Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017

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