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Education

What Is Global Affairs Literacy?

Global affairs literacy is the ability to understand and engage effectively in today’s interconnected world.

A shot of Earth from space with bright lights connecting different parts of the world, representing interconnectedness.

Today’s interdependent global economy and geopolitical landscape connect America’s interests more than ever to the actions and interests of other countries and their citizens. To ensure students understand this interconnected world, they need to be literate in global affairs.

Global affairs literacy, which rests on the three pillars of knowledge, skills, and perspective, is the ability to understand and engage effectively in today’s interconnected world. Central to global affairs literacy is civil discourse—students must be able to discuss complex, contested issues with thoughtfulness, openness, and respect for differing views.

Global affairs literacy consists of three pillars: knowledge, skills, and perspective.

Knowledge

Knowledge: A foundational understanding of the issues, forces, and actors that shape today’s world.

After using CFR Education resources, students will understand that

  • the world is increasingly connected and what happens in distant places often affects Americans’ everyday lives;
  • the actions and reactions of the people and government leaders in countries across the world shape global affairs;
  • global policy is formed through collaborative processes that engage diverse and sometimes competing interests, values, and perspectives—and that productive disagreement, grounded in civil discourse, is essential to navigating those differences;
  • history, geography, economics, politics, geopolitics, and culture shape the world;
  • local communities affect the world and the world affects local communities; and
  • global affairs knowledge encompasses topics including, but not limited to: contemporary global issues, forms of government, the relationship between domestic and foreign policy, the approaches and tools of foreign policy, and international institutions and global governance.

Skills

Skills: The ability to comprehend, communicate, and address complex international challenges collaboratively and effectively.

After using CFR Education resources, students will be able to

  • engage in civil discourse—asking questions, listening actively, and disagreeing constructively;
  • identify key global actors, policies, and issues, and explain their impact on global politics and events;
  • effectively read, write, speak, and listen about global challenges and opportunities;
  • discuss diverse positions and perspectives with accuracy and fairness, including those they personally disagree with;
  • use knowledge about global affairs to recognize and predict the potential impacts of a government’s actions;
  • analyze the historical, geographic, and political context behind global events and issues; and
  • collaborate with others across differences of opinion to formulate practical responses to global challenges.

Perspective

Perspective: An understanding of and respect for differing viewpoints and priorities and the inclination to engage those viewpoints through civil and constructive dialogue.

After using CFR Education resources, students will be able to

  • identify nuances in global issues and resist the pull of oversimplification or polarization;
  • understand global affairs from the point of view of others;
  • comprehend the global affairs policymaking process;
  • recognize how local, regional, and national policies affect global affairs and lives around the world; and
  • appreciate that they are part of a global community with a shared future. 

The Impact of Building Global Affairs Literacy With CFR Education

Global affairs literacy

  • strengthens democracy and national security by curbing mis- and disinformation and polarization;
  • prepares students to be thoughtful participants in democratic life, capable of engaging with people whose backgrounds and beliefs differ from their own;
  • elucidates the connections between the global and the local;
  • equips students with the essential knowledge and skills to compete in a global workforce; and
  • informs students so that they can advocate for effective policies and vote for public officials who support those policies.