• The Big Intro
• Fuel for Thought
• International Aid
• Conflict in Afghanistan
• Nuclear Weapons
• Our Allies
• More Resources
• Foreign Affairs Quiz

Fuel for Thought

Foreign Affairs is really about how we deal with other countries and the different relationships we have with each other. Whether we like it or not, in the 21st century, our country's future is tied to a lot of other countries.

We depend on other countries for our economic prosperity and we form alliances, organisations and groups to protect ourselves from aggressive countries who might attack us.

Now our actions, and the actions of other countries, have consequences many thousands of miles away. This is why foreign affairs is such an important area of government policy and why it's something crucial to be debated on HeadsUp.

Our foreign affairs policy is not just about Prime Ministers, Presidents and Diplomats, meeting to show each other support or discuss global problems. It also aims to help countries which are struggling with their own problems, where we might be able to help. We send aid to countries to help them build roads and hospitals, and to help them educate their population. We do this partly because it's a good thing to do, but also because it helps create a more stable world where poorer countries don't feel ignored by richer neighbours, where we can encourage countries to develop using greener methods than those the West used, and we can reduce the amount of people leaving their countries in search of work, by improving the opportunities in their home countries. But do we do enough for poorer countries? What should we concentrate on when it comes to aid?

Foreign affairs also includes much bigger world threatening problems like nuclear war or climate change. These issues effect everyone and need countries to work together to keep us safe. But there are many different opinions on the best ways to work together, which problems need global agreement and debate, and especially where money should be spent and by whom.

To find out more about the different areas up for debate in the forum visit the four sections on the left....then visit the forum and tell people what you think should be done!