Education as an Instrument of American Foreign Policy

Abstract

President Johnson's recent initiatives in interna tional education signal the further emergence of education as a characteristic form of American involvement in world affairs. Education is the key to economic progress in the developing countries. It is also the only solid basis for freedom, social jus tice, and equal opportunity. Almost by definition the "gospel of development"—the so-called revolution of rising expecta tions—will be accompanied by conflict and dissension. But there will be little hope of resolving the conflicts and of achiev ing peace in our century unless the world makes heroic efforts in education—sustained, imaginative, and ever greater efforts. The viewpoint must be long range. Education holds no quick promise of peace or even of understanding. Further, the prob lems of bridging the world's vast educational gap are too com plex to yield to an immediate or massive educational crusade. For example, nowhere are there enough teachers. The poten tialities of the new techniques of education—of radio, televi sion, programmed instruction, and film-must be drawn upon more and more if educational efforts in developing countries are to begin to meet the needs.