Without knowledge of other people and places in the world, we lack perspective on our own history and neglect the way that developments in other regions affects our own futures. America forfeits its claim as a leading democracy, concerned about the rights and welfare of its people, if it is not actively involved and supportive of efforts within the international community.
Continued political and financial support for the United Nations will come more easily from American politicians when Americans themselves are aware of the significance of international affairs in their daily life. Our first priority is therefore to integrate a more robust global perspective into our educational system at every level, beginning with the United Nations Week events on campus this week.
Sarah E. M. Wood '01 is a social studies concentrator in Currier House.