U.S. - Tibet relations

May 10, 2001
Web posted at: 5:16 PM EDT (2116 GMT)

Curriculum connections: Social Studies

After students read the CNNfyi.com article, "Dalai Lama: A man on a mission," ask the following questions:

1. Where is Tibet? Locate it on a globe. Based on its geographical location and physical features, explain why it might have developed a unique culture. Who is the Dalai Lama? When and why did he flee from Tibet? For how long has he been away from the country? What has he been doing? How does China view him and the region of Tibet? How does the rest of the world view the Dalai Lama? Why do you think there is such a discrepancy?

2. According to the news story, what will the United States offer Tibet if the proposed bill is enacted? The legislation states that it is designed to "safeguard the cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic identity" of Tibetans. How do you think this would be interpreted were China to move aggressively in Tibet? Do you think that the United States has the right to enact such a law? Why or why not? What role do you think that the United States ought to play in international affairs? Explain your answers.

3. How does the Dalai Lama view signs made by China towards Tibet? How do you view recent moves by China that you have seen in the news? Do you think that China is moving towards more or less openness? Explain your answers.

4. Students can research the region of Tibet to learn more about its cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic identity. Based on their findings, ask students to consider whether or not it makes sense for Tibet to have a government that is autonomous from China. Ask: Could the region retain autonomy and yet remain politically a part of the People's Republic of China? Why or why not?

5. Students can write essays in which they consider the question, "What is an appropriate role for the United States to take in regard to the human rights of those in other countries?"

CNN In-Depth Specials
Visions of China
Profiles: The Dalai Lama
International relations between the United States and China
April 12, 2001
Discussion/activity: Amnesty report critical of China
February 13, 2001

International Campaign for Tibet - Save Tibet
Tibetan Government in Exile's Official Web Site
Tibet Information Network (TIN)

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