Digital WOA | Embassy of the United States Seoul Korea

Outline of the U.S. Economy (PDF: 2.56 MB)

The U.S. economy of the 21st century little resembles that of the 18th century, but acceptance of change and embrace of competition remain unchanged. Topics outlined in the publication include the evolution of the U.S. economy, the role of the government in the economy, and the future of the economy. Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Geography

This book is about the geography of the United States. And although we look at the country's physical geography, our central interest is not landforms, climate, soils, or vegetation but the human imprint on the landscape. Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Government

What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of checks and balances, the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all. (September 2000) Korean »
Outline of the U.S. History (PDF: 4.26 MB)

A chronological look at how the United States took shape -- from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst today calls "the first universal nation." This fully illustrated edition has been completely revised and updated by Alonzo L. Hamby, Distinguished Professor of History at Ohio University. Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Legal System (PDF: 5.35 MB)

This outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies.(December 2004) Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Literature

Follows the path taken by American literature as it has moved from the pre-colonial days of orally transmitted tales of Native American cultures, through the periods of realism, romanticism, and experimentation, to the prose and poetry of the past 50 years. (November 1998) Korean »

Democracy in Brief (PDF: 1.0 MB)

Democracy is more than just a set of specific government institutions; it rests upon a well - understood group of values, attitudes, and practices - all of which may take different forms and expressions among cultures and societies around the world. Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices. Korean »
Human Rights in Brief (PDF: 1.10 MB)

In all civilized nations, attempts are made to define and buttress human rights. The core of the concept is the same everywhere: Human rights are the rights that one has simply because one is human. They are universal and equal. Human rights are also inalienable. They may be suspended, rightly or wrongly, at various places and times, but the idea of inherent rights cannot be taken away. One can no more lose ... Korean »
USA Economy in Brief (PDF: 2.7 MB)

This 2011 revised edition shows how competition shapes the U.S. economy and reflects the never-ending debate through history about the proper role of government in the economy. Korean »
USA Education In Brief (PDF: 458.8 KB)

USA Education in Brief covers the development of the public school movement, beginning with "common school," (the iconic little red schoolhouse) in the 18th century, through the Land-Grant university movement to the G.I. Bill of Rights and the civil rights movement which expanded educational opportunity to all U.S. citizens. Additional topics include 21st century challenges; civic, bilingual, and special ...
USA Elections in Brief (PDF: 770.1 KB)

A background guide to the entire U.S. electoral system, from federal, state, local, and primary elections to related topics such as polling and the role of the parties and the media. Korean »
USA History in Brief (PDF: 1.64 MB)

The first title in the new "In Brief" series, this publication summarizes in a few thousand words the history of how the United States was founded and the forces and events that shaped the dynamic and varied country that it has become today. Korean »
USA Literature in Brief (PDF: 474 KB)

USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Korean »
USA Map with Facts in Brief (PDF: 668.3 KB)

This publication includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.

A Responsible Press Office in the Digital Age (PDF: 14.24 MB)

A Responsible Press Office in the Digital Age explores the relationship between government officials and the media and provides guidance to government communicators about how to use digital media to provide the public with accurate and timely information concerning public policies, laws and actions.
Media Law Handbook (PDF: 2.59 MB)

What are the privileges and responsibilities of a free press? In Media Law Handbook, Professor Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, explores how free societies answer this question.
A Responsible Press Office: An Insiders Guide (PDF: 495.4 KB)

A how-to publication for government leaders and public information officials who want to create an effective mechanism of communication between the media and the government. This handbook offers practical advice based on the significant professional experience of author Marguerite Hoxie Sullivan and other top-level U.S. government spokespersons.
About America: How the U.S. is Governed (PDF: 1.10 MB)

This joint publication of the State Department's Bureau of International Information Programs and Braddock Communications presents a comprehensive yet easy-to-read overview of the various levels of and institutions related to government in the U.S. "How the United States Is Governed" describes how federal, state, and local governments are elected, how they operate, and how the executive, legislative, and ...
About America: The Constitution of the United States of America With Explanatory Notes (PDF: 1.77 MB)

This illustrated publication includes the complete text of the U.S. Constitution (preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments), as well an updated introduction and explanatory notes by J.W. Peltason, author of Understanding the Constitution and Government by the People.(July 2004)
Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom (PDF: 6.82 MB)

The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, anfd the man often considered its greatest leader. As the United States endured its greatest crisis, this self-educated common man supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory. His vision spanned diplomacy and military strategy, political thought and ...
American Popular Music (PDF: 7.70 MB)

American popular music is a kaleidoscopic mélange of styles and dreams. Its vibrancy reflects the mating of cultural diversity to artistic and creative freedom. The stories in this book illustrate how Americans, borrowing from diverse musical traditions, have contributed to humanity’s universal language.
American Teenagers (PDF: 3.59 MB)

This collection of student essays is to serve as the centerpiece of our journal about teenage life.
Art on the Edge: 17 Contemporary American Artists (PDF: 4.10 MB)

This joint publication of the State Department's ART in Embassies Program and its Bureau of International Information Programs showcases the work of 17 contemporary American artists. All have made their art available in U.S. ambassador's residences in countries around the world. (November 2004)
Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States (PDF: 774 KB)

Barack Obama, elected the 44th President of the United States, has lived a truly American life, and has opened a new chapter in American politics. This publication tells the story of Obama’s life, describes how he captured the presidency, and portrays his vision for the future. It also introduces readers to the Obama family and to the new Vice President, Joseph Biden. Korean »
Being Muslim in America (PDF: 5.95 MB)

The young women pictured on our cover are both Muslim. They live near Detroit, Michigan, in a community with many Arab-American residents. Each expresses her faith in her own way, with a combination of traditional and modern dress. Here, they compete fiercely on the basketball court in a sport that blends individual skills and team effort. They - along with the other men, women, and children ...
Campus Connections (PDF: 3.14 MB)

A globalized economy makes business and employment spill across national boundaries, so an education abroad is likely to make a young person better prepared for the world’s future. Almost double the numbers of students travel abroad for an education today as compared with 20 years ago. Campus Connections examines the international study experience and its influence on individual growth.
Choosing a Career (PDF: 7.51 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA rambles down the many varied paths that Americans take on their way to find their life's work. Professionals in various fields explain how they got there, and some wrong turns they made along the way. Experts describe how young people can weigh and explore the options before them.
College and University Education in the United States (PDF: 2.35 MB)

Through this journal, prospective international students and their parents and advisors will learn about the American system of higher education and academic and student life at U.S. colleges and universities.
Democracy in Brief (PDF: 1.0 MB)

Democracy is more than just a set of specific government institutions; it rests upon a well - understood group of values, attitudes, and practices - all of which may take different forms and expressions among cultures and societies around the world. Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices. Korean »
Disability and Ability (PDF: 5.44 MB)

With support, people can overcome even severe disabilities while maximizing their abilities and lead fulfilling and productive lives. We hope you will enjoy reading about the Americans with Disabilities law and about the programs underway to help turn disabilities into abilities, from accommodation to technology and medical research. Opening opportunities and removing barriers to people with disabilities is ...
Dreams of Edgar Allan Poe (PDF: 1.66 MB)

Dreams of Edgar Allan Poe honors a giant of American literature. An essay by the acclaimed novelist and critic Diane Johnson explores Poe’s life and career. Excerpts from audio dramatizations bring 6 classic Poe stories to life. Formatted as a stylish PDF file, this special web publication is suitable for printing and framing.
Dynamic English (PDF: 1.77 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA discusses forces that shape and change everyday English. From cultural and international influences, such as words that come directly, or in a changed form from another language, to popular media, including movies, music and sports, to changes arising from technological developments, the authors present examples of ways English changes daily. Other articles describe the process ... Korean »
Edward R. Murrow, Journalism at Its Best (PDF: 978.8 KB)

The career of Edward R. Murrow, the eminent broadcast journalist, is discussed in this publication as an example of the essential role the free press plays in a democratic society. With his reports from London during World War II and his expose of Senator McCarthy's anti-Communist campaign in the 1950s, Murrow showed how a fearless reporter can use journalistic skills in the public's service in times of crisis.

Foundations of Democracy (PDF: 4.9 MB)

The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, and the man often considered its greatest leader. As the United States endured its greatest crisis, this self-educated common man supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory.
Free At Last - The U.S. Civil Rights Movement (PDF: 3.59 MB)

A history of the contemporary civil rights movement in the United States, including a chronology of key events, brief biographical information on two centuries of African-American leaders, and excerpts from King's speeches and writings. (November 1998 )
Freedom of Faith (PDF: 852.1 KB)

The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities. This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to ...
Growing in Courage: Stories for Young Readers (PDF: 13.59 MB)

The books excerpted here are all written by American authors, but the stories they tell exemplify values that are shared by many societies in the world today. They all feature young protagonists in the process of finding their own personal strength and courage.
Handbook of Independent Journalism (PDF: 814.9 KB)

This handbook covers the ins and outs of what every professional journalist should know from how to research, write, and edit a story to how to write headlines, choose graphics, and select quotes and sound bites. Print, radio, TV, and Web-based or online journalism forms are discussed in detail, as well as the skills required in beat reporting.
Historians on America (PDF: 3.56 MB)

Historians on America is a series of individual essays that selects specific moments, decisions, and intellectual or legislative or legal developments and explains how they altered the course of U.S. history. The book consists of 11 separate essays by major historians, ranging from The Trial of John Peter Zenger in 1735 to The Immigration Act of 1965.
Human Rights Education (PDF: 967.8 KB)

People all over the world want to build futures for their families in free and open societies. This aspiration includes the desire to have basic human rights, participate in fair elections, practice one's religion, speak freely on public issues, and be certain that an impartial court system will decide violations of the law. In this journal we focus on several key components of genuine democracies and ...
Human Rights in Brief (PDF: 1.10 MB)

In all civilized nations, attempts are made to define and buttress human rights. The core of the concept is the same everywhere: Human rights are the rights that one has simply because one is human. They are universal and equal. Human rights are also inalienable. They may be suspended, rightly or wrongly, at various places and times, but the idea of inherent rights cannot be taken away. One can no more lose .. Korean »
Immigrants Joining the Mainstream (PDF: 2.11 MB)

Immigrants made the United States what it is. Being an American depends on acceptance of certain American ideals, not on the place of birth of a person or of his or her ancestors. This edition of eJournal USA tells the story of immigration and diversity as it has played out through the centuries and continues to play out now. Korean »
Indigenous People (PDF: 2.81 MB)

The June 2009 edition of eJournal USA provides insight into Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. Articles provide historical background and look at issues surrounding their languages and culture, their legal status, and how they are networking around the world.
Living Documents of American History and Democracy (PDF: 2.52 MB)

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy Seoul prepared this booklet to provide accurate, comprehensive and objective information about American history and democracy. Korean »
More Than Elections: How Democracies Transfer Power (PDF: 3.51 MB)

Democracy requires more than holding elections. Healthy democracies are defined by the expectations of citizens and the common rules, understandings, and trust they build. This eJournal USA explores the contours of civil society and political legitimacy within which peaceful transitions of power can occur.
Multicultural Literature in the United States Today (PDF: 1.12 MB)

The United States is enriched culturally by immigrants from many nations. This edition of eJournal USA focuses on distinguished American writers from various ethnic backgrounds who add immeasurably to mutual understanding and appreciation through tales of their native lands and their experiences as Americans.
National Parks, National Legacy (PDF: 1.79 MB)

The people of the United States own and protect a sprawling system of national parks, including seashores, trails, monuments, and battlefields. All American citizens are, in a sense, stewards of sites where history unfolded, where mountains soar, and where rivers run. They keep these parks for the future, and they treasure them today. As former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is nothing so ...
Obama in His Own Words (PDF: 7.33 MB)

These pages share President Obama’s words with our global readership. This book includes the complete text of the 44th President’s Inaugural Address. Also featured are extended excerpts from eight other significant campaign and pre-presidential speeches. It is our hope that while the book itself is small, readers will discover that the vision captured in its pages is large. Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Geography

This book is about the geography of the United States. And although we look at the country's physical geography, our central interest is not landforms, climate, soils, or vegetation but the human imprint on the landscape. Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Government

What makes U.S. government uniquely American...its Constitution, the separation of powers, the concept of checks and balances, the decentralized roles of state and local governments, and a citizenry with wide opportunity to be part of it all. (September 2000) Korean »
Outline of the U.S. History (PDF: 4.38 MB)

How the United States has been transformed from its origins as an obscure set of colonies on the Atlantic coast a little more than 200 years ago into what one political analyst terms "the first universal nation."(March 1999) Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Legal System (PDF: 5.35 MB)

This outline covers the history and organization of the federal and state judicial systems; the criminal and civil court processes; the background, qualifications, and selection of federal judges; the role of other participants (lawyers, defendants, interest groups) in the judicial process; and the implementation and impact of judicial policies.(December 2004) Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Literature

Follows the path taken by American literature as it has moved from the pre-colonial days of orally transmitted tales of Native American cultures, through the periods of realism, romanticism, and experimentation, to the prose and poetry of the past 50 years. (November 1998) Korean »
Principles of Democracy

Explains fundamental principles that contribute to making a democratic government work effectively. This series of one-page primers provides the reader with a concise definition of democracy and expands on supporting elements such as good governance and the rights and responsibilities of people living in democracies. Korean »
Rights of the People (PDF: 749.3 KB)

"Rights of the People" is a history of American law and justice, written by Constitutional historian Melvin Urofsky. By focusing on the Bill of Rights to the U.S. Constitution, and the legal interpretations, many of them written by America's finest jurists, that refined and expanded the Bill of Rights, Urofsky presents a history of the United States from the standpoint of individual liberty. Korean »
Roots of Innovation (PDF: 2.73 MB)

Economic expansion depends more and more on innovation — not simply producing more goods and services, but producing ever newer goods and services. This issue of eJournal USA seeks to show that innovation needs the right conditions to emerge.
See You in the U.S.A. (PDF: 1.60 MB)

This eJournal USA brings together the information you need to make your trip to the United States as easy as possible. It also defines the acronyms of U.S. government travel programs and explains how these fit in with those of other nations.
Seeking Free and Responsible Media (PDF: 256 KB)

It has long been the policy of the U.S. government to support the development of open and responsible media abroad and to assist in building the infrastructure needed for a free press to operate -- legislative infrastructure, financial independence, transparency in government, and journalists trained in objective and fair reporting. Achieving a free and responsible media is a constant, challenging, vital, ...

Sketchbook USA (PDF: 5.83 MB)

Sketchbook USA lavishly illustrates many aspects of American life. These excerpts depict Americans at work, at play, and engaging in civic activities. View the entire Sketchbook USA and all its many photographs here.
Snapshot USA (PDF: 5.39 MB)

“Snapshot USA” approaches the current generation of young people from outside the United States, by offering some fundamental facts and build on these to describe a little of how Americans think about their country and the world, to provide a picture of who we are now.
Study USA (PDF: 18.9 MB)

The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy, Seoul prepared this booklet to provide accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about educational opportunities in the United States and to provide guidance to qualified individuals on how best to access those opportunities. Korean »
The 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration (PDF: 4.8 MB)

The citizens of the United States enthusiastically celebrated the inauguration of their 44th president in January 2009. The peaceful transfer of power always renews faith in the strength of democracy, but in 2009 the rise of an African-American to the nation’s highest office also gave reason for pride at the nation’s repudiation of the segregation and slavery in its past. ...
The Anatomy of a Jury Trial (PDF: 1.51 MB)

Juries — usually groups of 6 or 12 ordinary citizens — provide a crucial service for their fellow citizens: Just as in medieval England, where they got started, juries prevent government, even democratic government, from pursuing oppressive prosecutions. Korean »
The Candidates (PDF: 1.7 MB)

Every presidential campaign is dramatic and historic, but as the fervor surrounding the 2008 election continues to build, U.S. voters and the rest of the world will want to consider the candidates’ personal histories more closely. What sort of people rise to the top in the U.S. political system, what are their attributes, their sensibilities, and their strengths?
The Electoral College (PDF: 1.47 MB)

More than 100 million voters are likely to cast ballots in nationwide U.S. elections November 4. But only 538 men and women will elect the next president of the United States, and those elections will take place in 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., December 15. This indirect election system, called the Electoral College and devised in 1787 by the framers of the Constitution, puzzles ...
The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall (PDF: 1.65 MB)

This publication provides a tribute to the legacy of Thurgood Marshall through an examination of Marshall's key role in the history of desegregation. It focuses on his position as lead counsel for the NAACP assigned to argue Brown v Board of Education before the Supreme Court and his subsequent influence as a member of the Court.
The Long Campaign: U.S. Elections 2008 (PDF: 1.86 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA presents an introduction to the upcoming 2008 U.S. elections. In these elections, U.S. voters will have the opportunity to vote for president and vice president, congressional representatives, state and local officials, and ballot initiatives. The journal describes aspects of this election which make it different from most recent elections and includes a pro-con debate of the ... Korean »
The Movie Business Today (PDF: 2.80 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA analyzes the increasing internationalization of the film industry, both in terms of audiences and filmmaking talent; the rise of a more personal style of independent filmmaking in recent years; the market for foreign-produced films in the United States; and the effects of the Internet and the digital revolution on how movies get made and distributed. ... Korean »
The Next New Thing (PDF: 3.42 MB)

Innovation is the art of creating something new, and everyday in the U.S. and around the world, scientists, students, and everyday people are working to bring to life an idea that is theirs alone. This edition of eJournal USA tells the story of innovators and their creations.
The Olympic Experience (PDF: 8.78 MB)

The Olympic Games remind us of certain universal human values. Every Olympian has a story that echoes the shared human struggle for excellence and our devotion to pursue purpose in life. In this issue of eJournal USA, we celebrate the Olympics through the individual experiences and insights of athletes who share their memories of the Olympic Experience.
The Supreme Court and the United States (PDF: 771 KB)

The ultimate interpreter of American law and the American Constitution itself is the United States Supreme Court. Nearly 220 years old, the Court has grown dramatically in stature and authority. Its authority to invalidate as unconstitutional actions of the legislative and executive branches now is long settled. Americans may disagree with the Court's decisions, but defying the Court is simply ...
The U.S. Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law (PDF: 3.24 MB)

As an institution, the Supreme Court commands respect, legitimacy, and prestige both in the United States and abroad. The October 2009 edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Solicitor General Elena Kagan present their introductions and contributions by legal scholars and journalists focus on the elements of judicial decision making and ...
U.S. Presidential Transitions (PDF: 2.3 MB)

We often read or hear about turmoil before, during, or after elections around the world. An important characteristic of democracy in the United States, however, is the regularly recurring peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. Americans know when the next presidential election will take place – the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years. ...
USA Education In Brief (PDF: 458.8 KB)

USA Education in Brief covers the development of the public school movement, beginning with "common school," (the iconic little red schoolhouse) in the 18th century, through the Land-Grant university movement to the G.I. Bill of Rights and the civil rights movement which expanded educational opportunity to all U.S. citizens. ...
USA Elections in Brief (PDF: 770 KB)

A background guide to the entire U.S. electoral system, from federal, state, local, and primary elections to related topics such as polling and the role of the parties and the media. Korean »
USA History in Brief (PDF: 1.64 MB)

The first title in the new "In Brief" series, this publication summarizes in a few thousand words the history of how the United States was founded and the forces and events that shaped the dynamic and varied country that it has become today. Korean »
USA Literature in Brief (PDF: 474.3 KB)

USA Literature in Brief pinpoints and describes the contributions to American literature of some of the best-recognized American poets, novelists, philosophers and dramatists from pre-Colonial days through the present. Korean »
USA Map with Facts in Brief (PDF: 668.3 KB)

This publication includes plenty of facts and statistics about the United States -- its government, geography, environment, sports and entertainment, the economy and employment, education, transportation, and population.
Women in Politics (PDF: 1.35 MB)

This publication offers the stories of women who believed that they could make a difference by participating in politics and government, and forged ahead to do so. They have acquired experience in running for election, being an effective policymaker, and in persuading elected officials to support their cause. Korean »
Women of Influence (PDF: 1.61 MB)

This collection chronicles how 21 notable American women broke new ground, some by championing equal rights for all and others by their accomplishments in fields such as government, literature, and even in war.
World Youth Building a Future (PDF: 3.24 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA, "World Youth Building a Future," opens a window on the real life experiences of young people who have left home and family to participate in an international exchange program. Young American adults offer first-person accounts of their discoveries in educational programs abroad, and exchange students from various other countries share their insights ... Korean »
Writers on America (PDF: 868.6 KB)

Presents 15 essays by a diverse group of contemporary American writers, poets, essayists, and intellectuals, on how being an American has affected their decision to write and what they have written during successful careers. Their meditations illuminate in an interesting way certain American values — freedom, diversity, and democracy, in the context of individual development. ... Korean »
Your Guide to Travel USA (PDF: 7.34 MB)

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, Seoul prepared this booklet to provide accurate, comprehensive, objective and timely information about travel to the United States and to provide guidance to qualified individuals on how to obtain a U.S. visa. Korean »

Benefits of Trade Costs of Protectionism (PDF: 2.84 MB)

Removing trade barriers through World Trade Organization and other negotiations promises to lift millions of people around the world out of poverty. Maintaining protectionist practices hurts millions, especially in the developing world, by preventing sustained economic expansion. While developed countries need to drop their own protectionist practices, developing countries stand to gain the most benefits by ... Korean »
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (PDF: 1.55 MB)

Government investment in small businesses benefits not only the businesses themselves but also our national economy and our society at large. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that its policies are helping—not hurting—enterprises, creating the conditions for small business to flourish, and encouraging citizens to give small business ownership a try.
Focus On: Intellectual Property Rights (PDF: 2.67 MB)

Essays by government, academic, and industry experts introduce intellectual property rights issues and key concepts -- patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and new forms of IP. Articles also explain why countries need effective intellectual property systems, and what governments in each region are doing to enforce IPR. Includes a glossary of IP terms, a list of print and Internet IP resources, ... Korean »
Outline of the U.S. Economy

Examines how the U.S. economy works and how it has evolved over the past 225 years. Considers forms of business enterprise, the role of financial markets, how government shapes the economy and seeks to manage the pace of economic activity, the agricultural sector and U.S. farm policy, the changing role of labor, and current U.S. policies on trade and international economic affairs. (February 2001) Korean »
Roots of Innovation (PDF: 2.73 MB)

Economic expansion depends more and more on innovation — not simply producing more goods and services, but producing ever newer goods and services. This issue of eJournal USA seeks to show that innovation needs the right conditions to emerge.
The Global Financial System (PDF: 1.2 MB)

Experts describe the mechanics of the global financial system presenting their views concerning the cyclical nature of markets, the interdependence of global trade relationships, and the role of regulation.
USA Economy in Brief (PDF: 3.75 MB)

This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the world's most productive, competitive, and influential. It focuses on workers and productivity, small and large business, the service economy, goods and services, the role of government, and the concept of "creative destruction," the process where jobs, companies, entire industries come and go because of their success or failure ... Korean »
Venture Capital Meets Hi-Tech (PDF: 798.7 KB)

This eJournal explores the phenomenon that drives uncounted Americans — and now citizens of other nations — to create fledgling “start-up” businesses that explore and exploit the latest developments in high technology. It also investigates the closely related “venture capital” phenomenon. How investors match their funds to (hopefully) winning ideas is a big part of the start-up story.

Women in the World Today (PDF: 8.0 MB)

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton has written the introduction to this publication, which examines women’s issues around the world.
Media Law Handbook (PDF: 2.59 MB)

What are the privileges and responsibilities of a free press? In Media Law Handbook, Professor Jane Kirtley, Silha Professor of Media Ethics and Law at the University of Minnesota, explores how free societies answer this question.
21st-Century Agriculture (PDF: 6.37 MB)

Humanity's longest struggle has been to feed itself. This eJournal USA explores how 21st-century technical prowess and agricultural skill hold the key to feeding the growing populations of the future.
Challenges to Energy Security (PDF: 278.4 KB)

World resources are sufficient to satisfy global demand for energy for the foreseeable future, but challenges remain in the form of environmental problems, political concerns, distribution of resources, and myriad other issues. The United States believes that open markets and new technologies working in concert will help us and other countries meet those challenges together.
Clean Energy Solutions (PDF: 3.17 MB)

Clean energy systems are incredibly diverse, yet technology has brought them within our grasp. Cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, next-generation nuclear power, photovoltaic solar cells, and near-zero-emissions coal plants will transform the way the economies of the world are powered to cleaner, alternative sources of energy.
Climate Change Perspectives (PDF: 2.96 MB)

This eJournal USA offers perspectives of experts and activists in several key countries on effective policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global warming and adapt to irreversible changes, and features an introduction by U.S. special envoy Todd Stern.
Democracy in Brief (PDF: 1.0 MB)

Democracy is more than just a set of specific government institutions; it rests upon a well - understood group of values, attitudes, and practices - all of which may take different forms and expressions among cultures and societies around the world. Democracies rest upon fundamental principles, not uniform practices. Korean »
Ending Abusive Child Labor (PDF: 1.42 MB)

Creating a safe and healthy world for our children is as important a task as any that exists. Yet millions of children around the world remain victims of poverty, illness, armed conflict, and exploitive and forced labor. We examine this month some of the noteworthy initiatives under way to combat abusive child labor. We hope that this issue helps our interactive and print audiences to understand more fully ...
Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel (PDF: 3.4 MB)

Increasing the efficient use of existing energy supplies is widely acknowledged as the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest way to meet future energy needs. Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel examines the strong U.S. record of tapping efficiency as a resource, and the accelerated efforts by individuals, organizations, and governments to squeeze greater productivity from all energy sources.
Focus On: Intellectual Property Rights (PDF: 2.67 MB)

Essays by government, academic, and industry experts introduce intellectual property rights issues and key concepts -- patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and new forms of IP. Articles also explain why countries need effective intellectual property systems, and what governments in each region are doing to enforce IPR. Includes a glossary of IP terms, a list of print and Internet IP resources, ... Korean »
Governance and Growth (PDF: 1.85 MB)

"Governance and Growth," explores the reality behind President Obama’s statement to Ghana’s parliament earlier this year: "Development depends on good governance."
Handbook of Independent Journalism (PDF: 814.9 KB)

This handbook covers the ins and outs of what every professional journalist should know from how to research, write, and edit a story to how to write headlines, choose graphics, and select quotes and sound bites. Print, radio, TV, and Web-based or online journalism forms are discussed in detail, as well as the skills required in beat reporting.
Health Systems for HIV/AIDS and Other Diseases (PDF: 816.1 KB)

On World AIDS Day, December 1, 2001, the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS reported "AIDS has become the most devastating disease humankind has ever faced" with 40 million people now infected. As recognition of the magnitude of the problem has grown in recent years, consensus has emerged that building effective partnerships is absolutely fundamental if societies are to save lives and ...
Human Rights Education (PDF: 967.8 KB)

People all over the world want to build futures for their families in free and open societies. This aspiration includes the desire to have basic human rights, participate in fair elections, practice one's religion, speak freely on public issues, and be certain that an impartial court system will decide violations of the law. In this journal we focus on several key components of genuine democracies and ...
Human Rights in Brief (PDF: 1.10 MB)

In all civilized nations, attempts are made to defy ne and buttress human rights. The core of the concept is the same everywhere: Human rights are the rights that one has simply because one is human. They are universal and equal. Human rights are also inalienable. They may be suspended, rightly or wrongly, at various places and times, but the idea of inherent rights cannot be taken away. ... Korean »

International Development Goals Moving Forward (PDF: 1.12 MB)

Leaders of the world's eight major economies (G8), at their annual meeting in July 2005, called on all nations to recommit themselves to supporting economic progress and good governance in the developing world, particularly in Africa—the only continent not on track to meet by 2015 any of the goals agreed on at the international Millennium Summit in 2000 and put forth in the Millennium Declaration.
Lifesaving Vaccines (PDF: 2.82 MB)

Vaccines can prevent disease, prolong life, and eradicate scourges dating to prehistory. Knowledge of vaccine effectiveness is decades old, but children in developing nations are still dying from vaccine preventable diseases. The United States and international partners have been working together for more than 30 years to expand the benefits of vaccines to children everywhere.
Markets and Democracy (PDF: 6.11 MB)

The 12 international experts we’ve assembled in this issue take up different aspects of the conundrum and offer their answers to these questions. Our goal, however, is not to resolve a centuries-old intellectual debate but to deepen our readers’ understanding about the nuances of what is undeniably a matter of importance for everybody in the world today.
Media Emerging (PDF: 1.57 MB)

Innovation in information technologies has thrust the world into an era of democratic media in which people have access to news and information unbound from traditional barriers of time and geography. Innovation gives rise to new media formats with new models for information distribution, consumption, and use. Traditional lines between the audience and media institutions are crossed as citizens gain access ...
Media Making Change (PDF: 1.72 MB)

New media technologies give average citizens access to vast amounts of information and broad networks of people. People can use these tools to pursue social and political agendas of their own making. This edition of eJournal USA shows how this new empowerment is influencing nations in various parts of the world.
Microenterprise: Laying The Foundation For Economic Development (PDF: 296.1 KB)

Successful small businesses are the primary engines of economic development, income growth, and poverty reduction in much of the developing world. These businesses can also build foundations for stable communities, civil society, and gender equality. However, poor infrastructure, weak public services, inadequate mechanisms for dispute resolution, and lack of access to markets and formal financing remain ...
More Than Elections: How Democracies Transfer Power (PDF: 3.51 MB)

Democracy requires more than holding elections. Healthy democracies are defined by the expectations of citizens and the common rules, understandings, and trust they build. This eJournal USA explores the contours of civil society and political legitimacy within which peaceful transitions of power can occur.
Nonviolent Paths to Social Change (PDF: 1.16 MB)

The past 30 years have seen a surge of nonviolent, “people power” movements around the world advancing human rights and toppling repressive rulers. This edition of eJournal USA demonstrates that nonviolent actions can be more powerful than armed insurrections in bringing about social change.
Overfishing: A Global Challenge (PDF: 289 KB)

As representatives from more than 100 U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) member countries meet in Rome February 24-28, 2003, they face a crisis in the ocean's fisheries that gets surprisingly little attention from the world's press. By FAO estimates, more than 70 percent of those fisheries are depleted or nearly depleted even as more and more of the world's people depend on those fish stocks for ...
Principles of Democracy

Explains fundamental principles that contribute to making a democratic government work effectively. This series of one-page primers provides the reader with a concise definition of democracy and expands on supporting elements such as good governance and the rights and responsibilities of people living in democracies. Korean »
Promoting Growth Through Corporate Governance (PDF: 1.12 MB)

A series of high profile corporate financial scandals in the United States and elsewhere has focused attention on the consequences of poor corporate governance. At the same time, increased demand for investment capital has made companies and countries worldwide look to good governance as a means of attracting and keeping investors.
Protecting the Environment: 30 Years of U.S. Progress (PDF: 1.41 MB)

The United States has made remarkable progress over the past 30 years in reducing pollution and protecting the environment within its borders. Statistics help tell the story. During this time, the U.S. economy grew by 187 percent, population grew by 39 percent, and energy consumption increased by 47 percent, yet air pollution decreased by 48 percent. In 2002, 94 percent of Americans were served by community ...
Rachel Carson: Pen Against Poison (PDF: 1.82 MB)

Rachel Carson was a quiet woman who stirred extraordinary controversy that persists decades after her death. Her 1962 book Silent Spring brought worldwide attention to the harm to human health and the environment wrought by mishandling of a powerful pesticide, fomenting the environmental movement. In the 100th anniversary year of Carson's birth, this publication examines how occasionally in history a book ...
Responses to Human Trafficking (PDF: 442.7 KB)

In our 21st century world, where freedom and democracy are spreading to every continent, it is appalling and morally unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are exploited, abused, and enslaved by peddlers in human misery.
Rethinking International Aid (PDF: 1.6 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA describes how U.S. foreign aid — directed through government and faith-based organizations, through individuals, businesses, and a multiplicity of partnerships — has developed, how it fits into foreign affairs, and how it is related to advancing altruistic objectives.
Seeking Free and Responsible Media (PDF: 256.9 KB)

It has long been the policy of the U.S. government to support the development of open and responsible media abroad and to assist in building the infrastructure needed for a free press to operate -- legislative infrastructure, financial independence, transparency in government, and journalists trained in objective and fair reporting. Achieving a free and responsible media is a constant, challenging, vital, ...
Shared Oceans Shared Future (PDF: 358.8 KB)

Humankind has explored, mapped, developed, or settled all but the most hostile corners of Earth's landmass. But our understanding of the oceans —more than 70 percent of Earth's surface— remains highly limited. We know more about the contours of Mars than those of the oceans' floors.
Sharing Science: Global Partnerships (PDF: 1.32 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA focuses on science as an inherently international undertaking in which researchers share the results of their work with a scientific community that spans the planet, through a growing array of collaborative efforts, technical journals, conferences, the Internet, and dedicated high-bandwidth data networks for research and education. The eJournal has many examples of U.S. ...
Sixty Years: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (PDF: 1.18 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It explores the document’s origins, sites it within humanity’s common intellectual heritage, and explains how it has bettered the lives of individuals in every corner of the globe.
The Global War on Terrorist Finance (PDF: 332.4 KB)

A key element of terrorist networks that was largely undisturbed prior to 9/11 is the global financial infrastructure that facilitates the rise of groups such as al-Qaida and funds attacks against the United States and our global partners.
The Greening of U.S. Corporations (PDF: 6.83 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA delves into what those familiar with the history of the environmental movement in the United States might see as a surprising trend — the way U.S. corporations in recent years have embraced environmentally friendly ways of doing business. What prompts a corporation to “go green”?
The Promise of Biotechnology (PDF: 2.2 MB)

New technologies, whether they are in medicine, industry, or agriculture, often initially generate public skepticism. Nowhere is this currently more evident than in biotechnology, where issues of health and environment are hotly debated.
Transforming the Culture of Corruption (PDF: 945.2 KB)

In recent years, through a series of international agreements, a global framework for combating corruption has begun to emerge. Individual countries can now make their anticorruption efforts more effective by vigorously implementing anticorruption commitments and relying on international cooperation. This issue of eJournal USA highlights the important roles that the public sector, private sector, and ...
U.S. Food Aid Reducing World Hunger (PDF: 2.39 MB)

It is estimated that some 850 million people around the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Through articles written by NGO representatives and U.S. government officials, this edition of eJournal USA describes some of the ways in which the United States government works through its agencies and in conjunction with international organizations and NGOs to provide food and assistance to save lives and ...
USA Economy in Brief (PDF: 3.75 MB)

This mini-publication discusses the factors that make the U.S. economy the world's most productive, competitive, and influential. It focuses on workers and productivity, small and large business, the service economy, goods and services, the role of government, and the concept of "creative destruction," the process where jobs, companies, entire industries come and go because of their success or failure in ... Korean »

A World Free of Nuclear Weapons (PDF: 1.91 MB)

Since the first atomic bombs exploded in 1945, some have tried to rid the world of nuclear weapons. President Obama has embraced this goal with new vigor. This issue of eJournal USA examines the challenges to achieving nuclear disarmament. It conveys the hopes of some thinkers, and explains the doubts of others.
Countering the Terrorist Mentality (PDF: 4.0 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA, "Countering the Terrorist Mentality," provides a look at the complex, global problem of terrorism. Several of the world’s leading scholars in this field, including Walter Laqueur, Bruce Hoffman, Jerrold Post, David Kilcullen, Mohammed Hafez, and Mia Bloom, examine the motivations of those who carry out terrorist attacks and the techniques terrorist organizations like al-Qaida ...
Responses to Human Trafficking

In our 21st century world, where freedom and democracy are spreading to every continent, it is appalling and morally unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are exploited, abused, and enslaved by peddlers in human misery.
Significant Events in U.S. Foreign Relations 1900-2001 (PDF: 2.34 MB)

Focusing on a number of seminal world events, this issue of eJournal USA: Foreign Policy Agenda offers a framework for examining how U.S. foreign relations have evolved over the past century, influenced by the legacy of America's founding ideals of protecting individual rights and freedom. The Editors recognize that any selection of "major events" will ultimately be arbitrary, but it is our hope that ...
The Challenges of Globalization (PDF: 1.90 MB)

The World Bank defines globalization as "the growing integration of economies and societies around the world." Wikipedia, the Internet encyclopedia, describes globalization as "the changes in societies and the world economy that result from dramatically increased international trade and cultural exchange." The British magazine The Economist recently likened globalization to a line from a John Lennon song, ...
The Global Financial System (PDF: 1.2 MB)

Experts describe the mechanics of the global financial system presenting their views concerning the cyclical nature of markets, the interdependence of global trade relationships, and the role of regulation.
The Role of Think Tanks in U.S. Foreign Policy (PDF: 320.7 KB)

This issue of U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda examines the unique role played by public policy research and analysis organizations, or "think tanks," in the formulation of U.S. foreign policy. A leading State Department official outlines the principal benefits that think tanks offer to U.S. policy-makers.
The State Department at Work in the 21st Century: Global Actions (PDF: 3.18 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA presents descriptions of how several State Department offices and bureaus work together to accomplish the department's mission—"to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community." Korean »
Today's Nuclear Equation (PDF: 1.14 MB)

While that Cold War threat of nuclear annihilation has receded, this edition of Foreign Policy Agenda examines the elements in today's nuclear equation. Instead of superpowers facing off, we encounter rogue states, stateless terrorist organizations bent on acquiring the means of mass murder, and black-market networks of renegade suppliers (like Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan pictured on the cover) ... Korean »
U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Regional Issues (PDF: 2.45 MB)

Introduced by Secretary Rice, this electronic journal features essays by each regional bureau Assistant Secretary outlining U.S. policy in that region. Each essay also explains the Assistant Secretary’s personal vision for that region, and outlines how the Secretary “transformational diplomacy” will help our international partners build and sustain democratic, well-governed states.
U.S. National Security Strategy: A New Era (PDF: 816.1 KB)

This issue of U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda examines the newly developed Bush National Security Strategy through a series of articles, commentary, and references from national security experts within the administration, the Congress, and the academic sector.
Weapons of Mass Destruction: The New Strategic Framework (PDF: 289.5 KB)

The gravest danger to freedom lies at the perilous crossroads of radicalism and technology. When the spread of chemical and biological and nuclear weapons, along with ballistic missile technology — when that occurs, even weak states and small groups could attain a catastrophic power to strike great nations.

Pop Culture Versus Real America English Learning Edition

This edition of Pop Culture Versus Real America is intended for the sixth- to seventh-grade-level students of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or English as a Second Language (ESL). It was adapted from the original publication Pop Culture Versus Real America (2010).
Science: The New Frontier

Scientific discovery is an intellectual adventure that benefits all of humanity. Learning about “something incredible” through science is one of the greatest things about being a scientist. And scientists appreciate that about their profession. As one says in this issue, science “provides an infinite source of challenging problems to fit every taste and passion, and it inspires us to work hard to understand our world.”
Entrepreneurs: The Next Generation (PDF: 10.6 MB)

Many young people around the world share the belief that becoming an entrepreneur is the most effective and exciting way to make their dreams and ideas a reality. As the founder of an organization of young entrepreneurs writes in this issue, it gives them freedom to transform their own lives and their communities and change the world for the better.
Youth Votes! The 2012 U.S. Elections (PDF: 9.6 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA looks at how the Millennials — Americans born from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s — are changing the face of the U.S. electorate and politics. How are they different from previous generations? What is at stake for the Millennial Generation in the November 2012 election? Are they joining the two major U.S. political parties? And why do they support various candidates and causes?
Sports Strengthen Communities (PDF: 3.21 MB)

Having won the 1,600-meter race an hour earlier at a state meet in Columbus, Ohio, Meghan Vogel was falling behind in the 3,200-meter race. In last place with 20 meters to go, Vogel saw competitor Arden McMath collapse ahead of her. Vogel helped McMath to her feet and carried her to the finish line, making sure McMath crossed ahead of her.
Growing Up Green (PDF: 2.58 MB)

Youth are leading the way to a sustainable future by creating innovative solutions to global problems. Read about some of their amazing accomplishments and ambitious plans for the future in this issue of eJournal USA.
Making Their Mark: Black Women Leaders (PDF: 1.37 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA profiles African-American women of the 20th and 21st centuries who have made significant contributions to many spheres of American life. It also offers insights into how earlier generations of African-American women serve as touchstones for the present generation.
The Spirit of Volunteerism (PDF: 3.35 MB)

Materials cover volunteer firefighters, health care workers serving in areas devastated by natural disasters, the “grandfathers” of Alexandria, Virginia, who mentor young boys growing up without fathers, and by volunteers who help refugees from distant lands build new lives in U.S. cities.
A Healthy Future (PDF: 2.31 MB)

Global health has improved, but the fight against diseases is not over. New approaches and renewed engagement of key stakeholders are needed.
eJournal USA: Entrepreneurs: The Next Generation (PDF: 1.92 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA explores the world of entrepreneurship for young people.
Cultivating Civil Society 2.0 (PDF: 2.6 MB)

“Cultivating Civil Society 2.0” explores the evolving intersection between civil society and technology and offers examples of how civil society organizations are exploiting technology’s potential to advance their work
Climate Action Goes Local (PDF: 1.51 MB)

Learn how governments, businesses and communities in Central America, East Asia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the United States are partnering to leverage their resources to combat climate change.
eJournal USA: Educating Women and Girls (PDF: 1.48 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA explores how international organizations, state governments, the private sector and individuals — in many different countries — are promoting education for women and girls and are improving people’s lives.
Peace Corps - 50 Years of Promoting Friendship (May 2011) (PDF: 1.55 MB)

In this issue of eJournal USA, we mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps with narratives written by past volunteers and we glimpse the future of the Peace Corps in an essay by current Peace Corps Director Aaron S. Williams.
Ethical and Effective Policing (April 2011) (PDF: 2.21 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA examines the ways in which citizens and police strive to sustain the social contract
Becoming American: Beyond the Melting Pot (December 2010) (PDF: 2.40 MB)

The United States is often referred to as the “Great Melting Pot,” a metaphor that connotes the blending of many cultures, languages and religions to form a single national identity. But this metaphor fails to capture the slow, complex and frequently turbulent process by which immigrants of diverse backgrounds and beliefs join U.S. society, even as they transform it.
A Living Legacy: Preserving Intangible Culture (November 2010) (PDF: 7.24 MB)

Many actors in the United States celebrate and preserve the country’s diverse intangible cultural heritage.
Climate Change Partnerships (September 2010) (PDF: 1.34 MB)

Partnerships leverage the complementary skills and talents of diverse partners and likely will be among the required responses to global climate change.
Defining Internet Freedom (June 2010) (PDF: 1.46 MB)

Information has never been so free, but threats to the free flow of information on the internet are growing. How governments and societies confront new and transformative internet technologies is the subject of this eJournal USA.
See You in the U.S.A. II (May 2010) (PDF: 1.80 MB)

Every year tens of millions of people visit the United States. They come to study, or for business, or for fun. But the best reason of all is to meet Americans.
21st-Century Agriculture (March 2010) (PDF: 6.37 MB)

Humanity's longest struggle has been to feed itself. This eJournal USA explores how 21st-century technical prowess and agricultural skill hold the key to feeding the growing populations of the future.
A World Free of Nuclear Weapons (Februay 2010) (PDF: 1.91 MB)

Since the first atomic bombs exploded in 1945, some have tried to rid the world of nuclear weapons. President Obama has embraced this goal with new vigor. This issue of eJournal USA examines the challenges to achieving nuclear disarmament. It conveys the hopes of some thinkers, and explains the doubts of others.
More Than Elections: How Democracies Transfer Power (January 2010) (PDF: 3.51 MB)

Democracy requires more than holding elections. Healthy democracies are defined by the expectations of citizens and the common rules, understandings, and trust they build. This eJournal USA explores the contours of civil society and political legitimacy within which peaceful transitions of power can occur.

Year of 2009

Governance and Growth (December 2009) (PDF: 1.85 MB)

"Governance and Growth," explores the reality behind President Obama’s statement to Ghana’s parliament earlier this year: "Development depends on good governance."
Roots of Innovation (November 2009) (PDF: 2.73 MB)

Economic expansion depends more and more on innovation — not simply producing more goods and services, but producing ever newer goods and services. This issue of eJournal USA seeks to show that innovation needs the right conditions to emerge.
The U.S. Supreme Court: Equal Justice Under Law (October 2009) (PDF: 3.24 MB)

As an institution, the Supreme Court commands respect, legitimacy, and prestige both in the United States and abroad. The October 2009 edition of eJournal USA describes many aspects of the U.S. Supreme Court. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Solicitor General Elena Kagan present their introductions and contributions by legal scholars and journalists focus on the elements of judicial decision making and ...
Climate Change Perspectives (September 2009) (PDF: 2.96 MB)

This eJournal USA offers perspectives of experts and activists in several key countries on effective policies to curb greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global warming and adapt to irreversible changes, and features an introduction by U.S. special envoy Todd Stern.
Campus Connections (August 2009) (PDF: 3.14 MB)

A globalized economy makes business and employment spill across national boundaries, so an education abroad is likely to make a young person better prepared for the world’s future. Almost double the numbers of students travel abroad for an education today as compared with 20 years ago. Campus Connections examines the international study experience and its influence on individual growth.
The Anatomy of a Jury Trial (July 2009) (PDF: 1.51 MB)

Juries — usually groups of 6 or 12 ordinary citizens — provide a crucial service for their fellow citizens: Just as in medieval England, where they got started, juries prevent government, even democratic government, from pursuing oppressive prosecutions. Korean »
Indigenous People (June 2009) (PDF: 2.81 MB)

The June 2009 edition of eJournal USA provides insight into Native Americans and other indigenous peoples. Articles provide historical background and look at issues surrounding their languages and culture, their legal status, and how they are networking around the world.
The Global Financial System (May 2009) (PDF: 1.2 MB)

Experts describe the mechanics of the global financial system presenting their views concerning the cyclical nature of markets, the interdependence of global trade relationships, and the role of regulation.
Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel (April 2009) (PDF: 3.4 MB)

Increasing the efficient use of existing energy supplies is widely acknowledged as the fastest, cheapest, and cleanest way to meet future energy needs. Energy Efficiency: The First Fuel examines the strong U.S. record of tapping efficiency as a resource, and the accelerated efforts by individuals, organizations, and governments to squeeze greater productivity from all energy sources.
Nonviolent Paths to Social Change (March 2009) (PDF: 1.16 MB)

The past 30 years have seen a surge of nonviolent, “people power” movements around the world advancing human rights and toppling repressive rulers. This edition of eJournal USA demonstrates that nonviolent actions can be more powerful than armed insurrections in bringing about social change.
Multicultural Literature in the United States Today (February 2009) (PDF: 1.12 MB)

The United States is enriched culturally by immigrants from many nations. This edition of eJournal USA focuses on distinguished American writers from various ethnic backgrounds who add immeasurably to mutual understanding and appreciation through tales of their native lands and their experiences as Americans.
The 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration (January 2009) (PDF: 4.8 MB)

The citizens of the United States enthusiastically celebrated the inauguration of their 44th president in January 2009. The peaceful transfer of power always renews faith in the strength of democracy, but in 2009 the rise of an African-American to the nation’s highest office also gave reason for pride at the nation’s repudiation of the segregation and slavery in its past. ...
U.S. Presidential Transitions (January 2009) (PDF: 2.3 MB)

We often read or hear about turmoil before, during, or after elections around the world. An important characteristic of democracy in the United States, however, is the regularly recurring peaceful transfer of power from one president to the next. Americans know when the next presidential election will take place – the Tuesday after the first Monday in November every four years. ...

Year of 2008

Choosing a Career (December 2008) (PDF: 7.51 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA rambles down the many varied paths that Americans take on their way to find their life's work. Professionals in various fields explain how they got there, and some wrong turns they made along the way. Experts describe how young people can weigh and explore the options before them.
Sixty Years: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (November 2008) (PDF: 1.18 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It explores the document’s origins, sites it within humanity’s common intellectual heritage, and explains how it has bettered the lives of individuals in every corner of the globe.
The Candidates (October 2008) (PDF: 1.7 MB)

Every presidential campaign is dramatic and historic, but as the fervor surrounding the 2008 election continues to build, U.S. voters and the rest of the world will want to consider the candidates’ personal histories more closely. What sort of people rise to the top in the U.S. political system, what are their attributes, their sensibilities, and their strengths?
The Electoral College (September 2008) (PDF: 1.47 MB)

More than 100 million voters are likely to cast ballots in nationwide U.S. elections November 4. But only 538 men and women will elect the next president of the United States, and those elections will take place in 50 state capitals and in Washington, D.C., December 15. This indirect election system, called the Electoral College and devised in 1787 by the framers of the Constitution, puzzles Americans and ...
Freedom of Faith (August 2008) (PDF: 582.1 KB)

The principle of religious freedom is a cherished right in the United States, one that has historical roots older than the formation of the nation itself. In the 21st century, the United States pulses with a unique cultural chemistry brought on by a wave of immigration which has brought followers of more diverse faiths to many communities. This edition of eJournal USA examines how the nation adjusts to ...
National Parks, National Legacy (July 2008) (PDF: 1.79 MB)

The people of the United States own and protect a sprawling system of national parks, including seashores, trails, monuments, and battlefields. All American citizens are, in a sense, stewards of sites where history unfolded, where mountains soar, and where rivers run. They keep these parks for the future, and they treasure them today. As former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, “There is nothing so ...
Markets and Democracy (June 2008) (PDF: 6.11 MB)

The 12 international experts we’ve assembled in this issue take up different aspects of the conundrum and offer their answers to these questions. Our goal, however, is not to resolve a centuries-old intellectual debate but to deepen our readers’ understanding about the nuances of what is undeniably a matter of importance for everybody in the world today.
Venture Capital Meets Hi-Tech (May 2008) (PDF: 798.7 KB)

This eJournal explores the phenomenon that drives uncounted Americans — and now citizens of other nations — to create fledgling “start-up” businesses that explore and exploit the latest developments in high technology. It also investigates the closely related “venture capital” phenomenon. How investors match their funds to (hopefully) winning ideas is a big part of the start-up story.
The Olympic Experience (April 2008) (PDF: 8.78 MB)

The Olympic Games remind us of certain universal human values. Every Olympian has a story that echoes the shared human struggle for excellence and our devotion to pursue purpose in life. In this issue of eJournal USA, we celebrate the Olympics through the individual experiences and insights of athletes who share their memories of the Olympic Experience.
The Greening of U.S. Corporations (March 2008) (PDF: 6.83 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA delves into what those familiar with the history of the environmental movement in the United States might see as a surprising trend — the way U.S. corporations in recent years have embraced environmentally friendly ways of doing business. What prompts a corporation to “go green”?
Immigrants Joining the Mainstream (February 2008) (PDF: 2.11 MB)

Immigrants made the United States what it is. Being an American depends on acceptance of certain American ideals, not on the place of birth of a person or of his or her ancestors. This edition of eJournal USA tells the story of immigration and diversity as it has played out through the centuries and continues to play out now. Korean »
The Next New Thing (January 2008) (PDF: 3.42 MB)

Innovation is the art of creating something new, and everyday in the U.S. and around the world, scientists, students, and everyday people are working to bring to life an idea that is theirs alone. This edition of eJournal USA tells the story of innovators and their creations.

Year of 2007

Media Making Change (PDF: 1.72 MB)

New media technologies give average citizens access to vast amounts of information and broad networks of people. People can use these tools to pursue social and political agendas of their own making. This edition of eJournal USA shows how this new empowerment is influencing nations in various parts of the world.
Rethinking International Aid (PDF: 1.6 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA describes how U.S. foreign aid — directed through government and faith-based organizations, through individuals, businesses, and a multiplicity of partnerships — has developed, how it fits into foreign affairs, and how it is related to advancing altruistic objectives.
The Long Campaign: U.S. Elections 2008 (PDF: 1.86 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA presents an introduction to the upcoming 2008 U.S. elections. In these elections, U.S. voters will have the opportunity to vote for president and vice president, congressional representatives, state and local officials, and ballot initiatives. The journal describes aspects of this election which make it different from most recent elections and includes a pro-con debate of the ... Korean »
U.S. Food Aid Reducing World Hunger (PDF: 2.39 MB)

It is estimated that some 850 million people around the world suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Through articles written by NGO representatives and U.S. government officials, this edition of eJournal USA describes some of the ways in which the United States government works through its agencies and in conjunction with international organizations and NGOs to provide food and assistance to save lives and ...
Dynamic English (PDF: 1.77 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA discusses forces that shape and change everyday English. From cultural and international influences, such as words that come directly, or in a changed form from another language, to popular media, including movies, music and sports, to changes arising from technological developments, the authors present examples of ways English changes daily. Other articles describe the process ... Korean »
World Youth Building a Future (PDF: 3.24 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA, "World Youth Building a Future," opens a window on the real life experiences of young people who have left home and family to participate in an international exchange program. Young American adults offer first-person accounts of their discoveries in educational programs abroad, and exchange students from various other countries share their insights about adjusting to life and ... Korean »
The Movie Business Today (PDF: 2.80 MB)

This issue of eJournal USA analyzes the increasing internationalization of the film industry, both in terms of audiences and filmmaking talent; the rise of a more personal style of independent filmmaking in recent years; the market for foreign-produced films in the United States; and the effects of the Internet and the digital revolution on how movies get made and distributed. ... Korean »
Countering the Terrorist Mentality (PDF: 4.0 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA, "Countering the Terrorist Mentality," provides a look at the complex, global problem of terrorism. Several of the world’s leading scholars in this field, including Walter Laqueur, Bruce Hoffman, Jerrold Post, David Kilcullen, Mohammed Hafez, and Mia Bloom, examine the motivations of those who carry out terrorist attacks and the techniques terrorist organizations like al-Qaida ...
Lifesaving Vaccines (PDF: 2.82 MB)

Vaccines can prevent disease, prolong life, and eradicate scourges dating to prehistory. Knowledge of vaccine effectiveness is decades old, but children in developing nations are still dying from vaccine preventable diseases. The United States and international partners have been working together for more than 30 years to expand the benefits of vaccines to children everywhere.
The State Department at Work in the 21st Century: Global Actions (PDF: 3.16 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA presents descriptions of how several State Department offices and bureaus work together to accomplish the department's mission—"to create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community." Korean »
Benefits of Trade Costs of Protectionism (PDF: 2.84 MB)

Removing trade barriers through World Trade Organization and other negotiations promises to lift millions of people around the world out of poverty. Maintaining protectionist practices hurts millions, especially in the developing world, by preventing sustained economic expansion. While developed countries need to drop their own protectionist practices, developing countries stand to gain the most benefits by ... Korean »

Year of 2006

Transforming the Culture of Corruption (PDF: 945.2 KB)

In recent years, through a series of international agreements, a global framework for combating corruption has begun to emerge. Individual countries can now make their anticorruption efforts more effective by vigorously implementing anticorruption commitments and relying on international cooperation. This issue of eJournal USA highlights the important roles that the public sector, private sector, and ...
Disability and Ability (PDF: 5.44 MB)

With support, people can overcome even severe disabilities while maximizing their abilities and lead fulfilling and productive lives. We hope you will enjoy reading about the Americans with Disabilities law and about the programs underway to help turn disabilities into abilities, from accommodation to technology and medical research. Opening opportunities and removing barriers to people with disabilities is ...
Sharing Science: Global Partnerships (PDF: 1.32 MB)

This edition of eJournal USA focuses on science as an inherently international undertaking in which researchers share the results of their work with a scientific community that spans the planet, through a growing array of collaborative efforts, technical journals, conferences, the Internet, and dedicated high-bandwidth data networks for research and education. The eJournal has many examples of U.S. ...
U.S. Foreign Policy in the 21st Century: Regional Issues (PDF: 2.45 MB)

Introduced by Secretary Rice, this electronic journal features essays by each regional bureau Assistant Secretary outlining U.S. policy in that region. Each essay also explains the Assistant Secretary’s personal vision for that region, and outlines how the Secretary “transformational diplomacy” will help our international partners build and sustain democratic, well-governed states.
Clean Energy Solutions (PDF: 3.17 MB)

Clean energy systems are incredibly diverse, yet technology has brought them within our grasp. Cellulosic ethanol, hydrogen fuel cells, next-generation nuclear power, photovoltaic solar cells, and near-zero-emissions coal plants will transform the way the economies of the world are powered to cleaner, alternative sources of energy.
Snapshot USA (PDF: 5.39 MB)

“Snapshot USA” approaches the current generation of young people from outside the United States, by offering some fundamental facts and build on these to describe a little of how Americans think about their country and the world, to provide a picture of who we are now.
Significant Events in U.S. Foreign Relations 1900-2001 (PDF: 2.34 MB)

Focusing on a number of seminal world events, this issue of eJournal USA: Foreign Policy Agenda offers a framework for examining how U.S. foreign relations have evolved over the past century, influenced by the legacy of America's founding ideals of protecting individual rights and freedom. The Editors recognize that any selection of "major events" will ultimately be arbitrary, but it is our hope that ...
Media Emerging (PDF: 1.57 MB)

Innovation in information technologies has thrust the world into an era of democratic media in which people have access to news and information unbound from traditional barriers of time and geography. Innovation gives rise to new media formats with new models for information distribution, consumption, and use. Traditional lines between the audience and media institutions are crossed as citizens gain access ...
The Challenges of Globalization (PDF: 1.90 MB)

The World Bank defines globalization as "the growing integration of economies and societies around the world." Wikipedia, the Internet encyclopedia, describes globalization as "the changes in societies and the world economy that result from dramatically increased international trade and cultural exchange." The British magazine The Economist recently likened globalization to a line from a John Lennon song, ...
Entrepreneurship and Small Business (PDF: 1.55 MB)

Government investment in small businesses benefits not only the businesses themselves but also our national economy and our society at large. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that its policies are helping—not hurting—enterprises, creating the conditions for small business to flourish, and encouraging citizens to give small business ownership a try.

Year of 2005

Foundations of Democracy (PDF: 4.9 MB)

The year 2009 marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, the nation’s 16th president, and the man often considered its greatest leader. As the United States endured its greatest crisis, this self-educated common man supplied the leadership and the moral force that bound Americans together and carried them to victory.
College and University Education in the United States (PDF: 2.35 MB)

Through this journal, prospective international students and their parents and advisors will learn about the American system of higher education and academic and student life at U.S. colleges and universities.
The Promise of Biotechnology (PDF: 2.2 MB)

New technologies, whether they are in medicine, industry, or agriculture, often initially generate public skepticism. Nowhere is this currently more evident than in biotechnology, where issues of health and environment are hotly debated.
See You in the U.S.A. (PDF: 1.60 MB)

This eJournal USA brings together the information you need to make your trip to the United States as easy as possible. It also defines the acronyms of U.S. government travel programs and explains how these fit in with those of other nations.
International Development Goals Moving Forward (PDF: 1.12 MB)

Leaders of the world's eight major economies (G8), at their annual meeting in July 2005, called on all nations to recommit themselves to supporting economic progress and good governance in the developing world, particularly in Africa—the only continent not on track to meet by 2015 any of the goals agreed on at the international Millennium Summit in 2000 and put forth in the Millennium Declaration.
American Teenagers (PDF: 3.59 MB)

This collection of student essays is to serve as the centerpiece of our journal about teenage life.
Protecting the Environment: 30 Years of U.S. Progress (PDF: 1.41 MB)

The United States has made remarkable progress over the past 30 years in reducing pollution and protecting the environment within its borders. Statistics help tell the story. During this time, the U.S. economy grew by 187 percent, population grew by 39 percent, and energy consumption increased by 47 percent, yet air pollution decreased by 48 percent. In 2002, 94 percent of Americans were served by community ...
Ending Abusive Child Labor (PDF: 1.42 MB)

Creating a safe and healthy world for our children is as important a task as any that exists. Yet millions of children around the world remain victims of poverty, illness, armed conflict, and exploitive and forced labor. We examine this month some of the noteworthy initiatives under way to combat abusive child labor. We hope that this issue helps our interactive and print audiences to understand more fully ...
The Supreme Court and the United States (PDF: 771 KB)

The ultimate interpreter of American law and the American Constitution itself is the United States Supreme Court. Nearly 220 years old, the Court has grown dramatically in stature and authority. Its authority to invalidate as unconstitutional actions of the legislative and executive branches now is long settled. Americans may disagree with the Court's decisions, but defying the Court is simply beyond the ...
Today's Nuclear Equation (PDF: 1.14 MB)

While that Cold War threat of nuclear annihilation has receded, this edition of Foreign Policy Agenda examines the elements in today's nuclear equation. Instead of superpowers facing off, we encounter rogue states, stateless terrorist organizations bent on acquiring the means of mass murder, and black-market networks of renegade suppliers (like Pakistani nuclear scientist A.Q. Khan pictured on the cover) ... Korean »
Promoting Growth Through Corporate Governance (PDF: 1.12 MB)

A series of high profile corporate financial scandals in the United States and elsewhere has focused attention on the consequences of poor corporate governance. At the same time, increased demand for investment capital has made companies and countries worldwide look to good governance as a means of attracting and keeping investors.

Year of 2004

The Global War on Terrorist Finance (PDF: 332.4 KB)

A key element of terrorist networks that was largely undisturbed prior to 9/11 is the global financial infrastructure that facilitates the rise of groups such as al-Qaida and funds attacks against the United States and our global partners.

Year of 2003

Seeking Free and Responsible Media (PDF: 256.9 KB)

It has long been the policy of the U.S. government to support the development of open and responsible media abroad and to assist in building the infrastructure needed for a free press to operate -- legislative infrastructure, financial independence, transparency in government, and journalists trained in objective and fair reporting. ...

Year of 2002

Weapons of Mass Destruction: The New Strategic Framework (PDF: 289.5 KB)

The gravest danger to freedom lies at the perilous crossroads of radicalism and technology. When the spread of chemical and biological and nuclear weapons, along with ballistic missile technology — when that occurs, even weak states and small groups could attain a catastrophic power to strike great nations.