This course will deal with the changing nature of issues, policy challenges, and alliances among Western Hemisphere states, including the United States and Canada, and between those states and the global community. Using teamwork and role-playing, students will consider the policy implications of such issues as national and indigenous resource rights versus multinational corporate claims; social activism, nationalism and secessionism; regional and cross-border environmental issues; anti-drug and anti-terrorist operations; economic integration, trade, aid, immigration, and human rights. Grades will be based on classroom participation and the preparation of policy-option briefs on three topics.