What methods can the UK use to tackle global conflict?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how the UK uses hard and soft power to influence global conflicts.
Key learning points
- The UK has used hard power to deal with Russia by deploying economic sanctions.
- The UK has used soft power to deal with Russia by utilising diplomacy and institutions like universities.
- How effective these strategies are is a matter of debate.
Keywords
Hard power - the ability of a state to influence other states through coercion, often using military or economic means
Soft power - the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force
Effective - successful in producing a desired or intended result
Common misconception
The UK is a small nation and has limited impact around the world.
The UK is a small nation so has to use as much of its influence as possible to make a difference. It can use its hard power through work with organisations like NATO. It can also use soft power with diplomacy.
Teacher tip
Always review case studies carefully to ensure they are appropriate and sensitive for your pupils. Since many global conflicts are ongoing and information can change quickly, check for the latest updates before teaching to provide the most accurate and balanced picture.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following might be deployed to help find survivors of an earthquake?
Q2.Which international organisation has a Security Council?
Q3.Which coutry invaded Ukraine in 2022?
Q4.Match the word to its definition.
large-scale event that poses a serious and immediate threat
an active disagreement between people, groups or countries
discussion between parties with the aim of reaching a mutual agreement
Q5.What was the scheme called which allowed citizens in the UK to house Ukrainian refugees?
Q6.Which of the following was a response by citizens to the conflict in Gaza?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words with the correct definition.
the use of military and economic strength to influence other nations
the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion
successful in producing a desired or intended result
Q2.During which conflict did the Srebrenica massacre, described by many as genocide against Bosnian Muslims, occur?
Q3.Which conflict involved the use of hard power by NATO and its allies?
Q4.What international organisation is the UK's main way of influencing countries through soft power?
Q5.Which of these is most likely to use soft power to influence global issues?
Q6.Why can the UK still have an impact on global conflicts despite being a relatively small country?
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: What methods can the UK use to tackle global conflict?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 citizenship lesson on: What methods can the UK use to tackle global conflict?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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