Option theme 2: A world in existential crisis

Students explore the nature of global challenges and conflicts and the impacts of these on individuals and the wider world. Students explore how global challenges have resulted in local and transnational terrorism, international interventions, nuclear proliferation, and cyber and information warfare. Students reflect on how human lives are affected by the interconnectedness and increasing interdependence of countries, companies, and individuals. 

The inquiry questions are:

1. Are nuclear weapons the greatest existential threat to the world today?
2. To what extent can a global solution be found to counter climate change?
3. Will the world ever be free of armed conflict?
4. Are non‑traditional military threats now a greater danger to global peace?

In addressing inquiry question 1: ‘Are nuclear weapons the greatest existential threat to the world today?’, students may consider: 

• members of the nuclear club, and their agenda
• global management of nuclear proliferation
• alternative applications of nuclear technology
• implications of Australia utilising nuclear technology.

Students explore the past and present proliferation of nuclear weapons. They examine countries that are armed with nuclear arsenals and consider the impact this has on power, security, and international relationships. Students assess the arguments justifying the possession and trade of nuclear weapons and the consequent threat that nuclear weapons have on global security, humanity, and environmental sustainability. Students further reflect on Australia’s nuclear position and consider the implications of Australia utilising nuclear technology. Students consider whether the benefits of using alternative applications of nuclear technology outweigh the risks in an increasingly complex modern world.

In addressing inquiry question 2: ‘To what extent can a global solution be found to counter climate change?’, students may consider:

• causes and impacts of climate change
• comparative global responses to climate change
• challenges for global solutions
• methods of adapting to and reducing climate change.

Students examine the causes and impacts of climate change on the environment, on resource management, and on communities around the world. Students analyse how effectively the protocols and treaties have addressed the adversities faced by vulnerable people around the world. They investigate the different responses from nations to the challenges confronting global decision‑makers, and reflect on the feasibility of these proposed solutions in an increasingly unpredictable world. Students evaluate the success of various mitigation policies and adaptation measures to reduce climate change.

In addressing inquiry question 3: ‘Will the world ever be free of armed conflict?’, students may consider:

• causes of and responses to contemporary conflict
• institutions providing collective security
• peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and state sanction
• Australia as an international supporter of global peace and security.

Students examine issues of peace and conflict from various perspectives in order to understand the complex process of conflict resolution. They explore the role of government and non‑government institutions in intervening, managing, and restoring peaceful environments. In addition, they examine the powers and limitations that shape the way these entities respond. Students evaluate Australia’s contribution to world peace and stability. Students critique the effectiveness of non‑violent approaches in achieving foreign policy objectives and resolving conflict.

In addressing inquiry question 4: ‘Are non-traditional military threats now a greater danger to global peace?’, students may consider:

• domestic and international terrorism
• cyberattacks
• energy, resource, health, pandemics, and biosecurity
• international crime, piracy, human trafficking, and exploitation.

Students consider the growing non-traditional military threats to peace, security, and prosperity, and evaluate the extent to which violent and non‑violent threats compromise global safety. They consider the nature and intended consequences of the threats, and their impacts on domestic and international communities. Students develop an appreciation of the complexities that these challenges present to governments, organisations, and communities that seek to minimise risks and impacts. Students explore non‑intentional threats that arise from mismanagement and lack of control of world resources.