APEURO: Unit 9, Cold War and Contemporary Europe - Contemporary Issues, Migration, Terrorism, Globalization, Climate Change, Rise of Populism

Why This Matters

The contemporary issues of migration, terrorism, globalization, climate change, and the rise of populism are significant for understanding the larger period of the 21st century. These issues are connected to the AP theme of Globalization and Its Consequences, as they highlight the interconnectedness of the world and the challenges that come with it. The rapid movement of people, goods, and ideas across borders has created new opportunities and challenges, leading to increased tensions and conflicts. Understanding these issues is crucial for analyzing the complexities of the modern world and the ways in which nations and individuals respond to them.

Key Events & People

• The 9/11 Attacks (2001): A series of coordinated terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and a significant shift in global politics and security.
• The European Migrant Crisis (2015-2016): A massive influx of migrants and refugees into Europe, primarily from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, resulting in a humanitarian crisis and a reevaluation of European immigration policies.
• The Paris Agreement (2015): An international agreement aimed at mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
• The Rise of Populism (2010s): A global phenomenon characterized by the emergence of populist leaders and movements, often fueled by anti-globalization and anti-immigration sentiment.
• The European Union's Schengen Area (1995): A passport-free travel zone in Europe, which has facilitated the movement of people and goods across borders.
• The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (2015): A set of 17 goals aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• The European Central Bank's Quantitative Easing (2015): A monetary policy aimed at stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment in the eurozone.
• The Trump Administration's Travel Ban (2017): A presidential executive order restricting travel to the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries.
• The G7's Climate Change Commitments (2015): A set of commitments by the world's leading economies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
• The European Union's Migration Policy (2015): A set of policies aimed at managing the influx of migrants and refugees into Europe.

Cause & Effect Chain

• Cause: The Syrian Civil War (2011) led to a massive refugee crisis, which in turn led to the European Migrant Crisis (2015-2016).
• Effect: The European Migrant Crisis led to increased tensions between European countries and a reevaluation of European immigration policies.
• Long-term consequence: The crisis led to a shift in European politics, with a rise in populist and nationalist movements.
• Cause: The rise of globalization and international trade led to increased economic inequality and job displacement, which in turn fueled the rise of populism (2010s).
• Effect: The rise of populism led to a backlash against globalization and international trade, with many countries implementing protectionist policies.
• Long-term consequence: The rise of populism has led to increased tensions between nations and a decline in international cooperation.

Essential Vocabulary

• *Globalization*: The increasing interconnectedness of the world through trade, technology, and migration.
• *Populism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of the common people over those of the elite.
• *Sovereignty*: The supreme authority of a nation-state over its territory and citizens.
• *Multilateralism*: Cooperation between multiple nations to address global challenges.
• *Climate Change*: The long-term warming of the planet due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• *Migration*: The movement of people from one country to another.
• *Refugee*: A person who has fled their home country due to war, persecution, or natural disaster.
• *Terrorism*: The use of violence and intimidation to achieve political or ideological goals.
• *Nationalism*: A political ideology that emphasizes the interests of a nation-state over those of other nations or international organizations.
• *Protectionism*: Economic policies that protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
• *Sustainable Development*: Economic development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Common Student Mistakes

• What students often get wrong: The European Migrant Crisis began in 2010, not 2015.
• Correction: The crisis began in 2015, when a large influx of migrants and refugees arrived in Europe, primarily from Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
• What students often get wrong: The Paris Agreement was signed in 2010, not 2015.
• Correction: The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, by nearly 200 countries, with the goal of mitigating climate change.
• What students often get wrong: The Trump Administration's Travel Ban was implemented in 2016, not 2017.
• Correction: The ban was implemented in 2017, as a presidential executive order restricting travel to the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries.

DBQ / LEQ Connections

• Possible essay prompt: Analyze the causes and consequences of the European Migrant Crisis. Be sure to include the role of the Syrian Civil War and the European Union's migration policy.
• Possible evidence: The European Migrant Crisis led to increased tensions between European countries and a reevaluation of European immigration policies. The crisis was fueled by the Syrian Civil War, which led to a massive refugee crisis. The European Union's migration policy was criticized for being inadequate and ineffective.
• Possible essay prompt: Evaluate the impact of globalization on the rise of populism. Be sure to include the role of economic inequality and job displacement.
• Possible evidence: The rise of populism has been fueled by economic inequality and job displacement, which have been exacerbated by globalization. The decline of traditional industries and the rise of the gig economy have led to increased economic insecurity and a sense of disillusionment among many citizens.

Quick Self?Check

1. What was the main cause of the European Migrant Crisis?
2. Correct answer: The Syrian Civil War
3. Explanation: The Syrian Civil War led to a massive refugee crisis, which in turn led to the European Migrant Crisis.
4. What is the main goal of the Paris Agreement?
5. Correct answer: To mitigate climate change
6. Explanation: The Paris Agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
7. What is the main characteristic of populism?
8. Correct answer: Emphasis on the interests of the common people over those of the elite
9. Explanation: Populism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests of the common people over those of the elite.

Last?Minute Cram Sheet

• The European Migrant Crisis began in 2015, not 2010.
• The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, not 2010.
• The Trump Administration's Travel Ban was implemented in 2017, not 2016.
• The European Union's Schengen Area is a passport-free travel zone in Europe.
• The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 goals aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• The European Central Bank's Quantitative Easing is a monetary policy aimed at stimulating economic growth and reducing unemployment in the eurozone.
• The G7's Climate Change Commitments are a set of commitments by the world's leading economies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
• The European Union's Migration Policy is a set of policies aimed at managing the influx of migrants and refugees into Europe.
• The Syrian Civil War began in 2011, not 2015.
• The European Migrant Crisis led to increased tensions between European countries and a reevaluation of European immigration policies.