Embassy of the United States

Publications by topics

Featured "Window on America" Publications by Topic

	Democracy		Foreign Policy
	American Life		US Politics
	Science and Health		Outline Series
	e-Journal USA

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
Democracy

Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom English 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 elemental justice for all Americans --- including the African-American slaves he emancipated. The essays gathered here introduce readers to this “best and most widely acclaimed of all Americans.”

Barack Obama: 44th President of the United States English | Korean 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.

Obama in His Own Words English | Korean 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.

The 2009 U.S. Presidential Inauguration English 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. President Barack Obama called it a day when Americans chose “hope over fear.”

U.S. Presidential Transitions English 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. And power will be transferred to the newly elected (or re-elected) president on January 20 of the following year.

Human Rights in Brief English In all civilized nations, attempts are made to defi 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. One can no more lose these rights than one can stop being a human being.

Democracy in Brief English| Korean 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.

Handbook of Independent Journalism English 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.

Edward R. Murrow, Journalism at Its Best English 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.

Outline of the U.S. Legal System English | Korean 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)

The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall English Thurgood Marshall stands as one of the great American heroes of the 20th century: He was the attorney who ended legal segregation in the United States with his victory in the Brown v. Board of Education case, and the U.S. Supreme Court justice who championed expanded rights for every individual American -- minorities, women, and immigrants, among many others.

The Long Campaign: U.S. Elections 2008 English| Korean 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 Electoral College.

Outline of U.S. Government English | Korean 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)

Human Rights in Brief English In all civilized nations, attempts are made to defi 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. One can no more lose these rights than one can stop being a human being.

About America: The Constitution of the United States of America With Explanatory Notes English 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)

Living History of American History and Democracy English| Korean 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.

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
Foreign Policy

USA Economy in Brief English 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 the marketplace.

Focus On: Intellectual Property Rights English 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, and a separate resource list for children and young adults.

Demo cracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
American Life

USA Education In Brief English 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 education; foreign exchanges; and teaching democracy to a new generation.

Sketchbook USA English 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.

Being Muslim in America English 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 in this publication - demonstrate every day what it is like to be Muslim in America.

Dreams of Edgar Allan Poe English 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.

USA Literature in Brief English 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.

Women of Influence English 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.

Outline of U.S. History English 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.

Art on the Edge: 17 Contemporary American Artists English 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)

USA Map with Facts in Brief English 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.

Outline of American Literature English | Korean 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)

Historians on America English 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.

USA History in Brief English 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.

About America: The Constitution of the United States of America With Explanatory Notes English 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)

The Civil Rights Movement and the Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. English 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 )

If You Want to Study in the United States English An update and revision of the popular series of booklets for students considering higher education in the United States. Click on the title above to view those booklets. Check back in the coming months for the fourth booklet in the series: Getting Ready to Go: Practical Information for Living and Studying in the United States.

Your Guide to Travel USA English | Korean  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.

Study USA English | Korean  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.

The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall English 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.

Growing in Courage: Stories for Young Readers English 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.

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
US Politics

USA Elections in Brief English 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.

The Constitution of the United States English 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. The introduction includes sections explaining how the Constitution set up the U.S. federal system, the background to the Constitutional Convention and how the participants arrived at a final version of the document, its ratification, and sections on the call for a Bill of Rights and the need for additional amendments over the years.

About America: How the U.S. is Governed English 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 judicial branches of government relate under the U.S. constitutional system. It also highlights how nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and other institutions allow Americans to influence and shape government policy. This publication contains a glossary and a list of useful Web sites.

Outline of the U.S. Government English | Korean 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)

Rights of the People English "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.

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
Science and Health

Rachel Carson: Pen Against Poison English 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 with a powerful idea can bring about peaceful but dramatic change in a democratic society.

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
Outline Series

Outline of American History English | Korean 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)

Outline of American Literature English | Korean 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)

Outline of the U.S. Economy English | Korean 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)

Outline of the U.S. Government English | Korean 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)

Outline of the U.S. Legal System English | Korean 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)

Outline of the U.S. Geography English | Korean 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.

Democracy / Foreign Policy / American Life
US Politics/ Science and Health/ Outline Series/ e-Journal USA
e-Journal USA

Year of 2009

Roots of Innovation (November 2009) English 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) English 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 independence of the justices. Four Court officials and a former Supreme Court law clerk also describe their jobs.

Climate Change Perspectives (September 2009) English 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) English 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) f 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.

Indigenous People (June 2009) English 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) English 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) English 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) English 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) English 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) English 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. President Barack Obama called it a day when Americans chose “hope over fear.”

U.S. Presidential Transitions (January 2009) English 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. And power will be transferred to the newly elected (or re-elected) president on January 20 of the following year.

Year of 2008

Choosing a Career (December 2008) English 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.

The Candidates (October 2008) English 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) English 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 non-Americans alike. It reflects the federal governing system of allocating powers not only to a national government and to the people but also to the states. We hope that this issue of eJournal USA will improve your understanding of the historical reasons for the Electoral College system and how it functions.

Freedom of Faith (August 2008) English 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 these demographic changes to remain true to the principles of freedom of faith.

Sixty Years: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (November 2008) English 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.

Nonviolent Paths to Social Change English 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.

Markets and Democracy (June 2008) English 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) English 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.

National Parks, National Legacy English 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 American as our national parks. The scenery and wildlife are native. The fundamental idea behind the parks is native. It is, in brief, that the country belongs to the people.” This edition of eJournalUSA presents glorious views of the national parks, the history of this vast system, and its mission of conservation and public access.

The Olympic Experience (April 2008) English 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.

Immigrants Joining the Mainstream (February 2008) English | Korean 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.

The Next New Thing (January 2008) English 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.

f   The Greening of U.S. Corporations (March 2008) English 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”?

Year of 2007

Lifesaving Vaccines (March 2007) English 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.

Rethinking International Aid English 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.

Countering the Terrorist Mentality English 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 use to recruit and motivate them.

Benefits of Trade Costs of Protectionism English 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 removing their protectionist barriers to imports from each other. Protectionism bolsters the politically designated few while harming the many; the problem and the solution are political. This issue of eJournal USA has articles from authors inside and outside the U.S. government describing the benefits of trade and the costs of protectionism.

Long Campaign: U.S. Elections 2008 (October 2007) English | Korean  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 Electoral College.

The Supreme Court and the United States English 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 bounds of political, even social, legitimacy. We present a collection of essays in this journal that explain how the Court functions. They also illustrate how it commands the respect of Americans and plays a vital role in the constitutional system.

Youth Building a Future Youth Building a Future (July 2007) English | Korean 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 family customs in the United States.

The Movie Business Today(June 2007) English | Korean 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. Shorter pieces focus on film festivals like Sundance that seed young talent and some film studios' efforts to go green in making movies.

Media Making Change English 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.

U.S. Food Aid Reducing World Hunger English 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 to help hungry people feed themselves.

Sharing Science: Global Partnerships English 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. participation and leadership in these international undertakings.

Year of 2006

Significant Events in U.S. Foreign Relations 1900-2001 English 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 those in this journal will provide insight into the American character and stimulate dialogue among international audiences.

The Challenges of Globalization English 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, "Imagine there's no countries. It isn't hard to do." Clearly, globalization means different things to different people.  In this issue we consider these and other aspects of globalization. The experts we have chosen examine the topic from a variety of angles, yet we offer no prescriptions, no definitive answers: Our goal is for our readers to come away with a better understanding of a deep-seated, complex phenomenon that affects us all.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business English 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.

Snapshot USA English “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.

Transforming the Culture of Corruption English 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 non-governmental organizations play in eradicating corruption worldwide.

Media Emerging English 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 to platforms from which to express their own ideas and opinions, circumventing media corporations and governments, the long-standing gatekeepers of information. Experts and pioneers in these changing technologies share their thoughts on the following pages, describing the innovations unfolding and offering a vision of what may lie ahead.

Clean Energy Solutions English   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.

Significant Events in the U.S. Foreign Relations English Like other countries operating on the global stage, the United States has both played an active role in and been acted upon by international events—and occasionally forced into a role not of its own choosing. It is our hope that those “major events” in this journal will provide insight into the American character and stimulate dialogue among international audiences.

Year of 2005

College and University Education in the United States English 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.

See You in the U.S.A. English 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.

American Teenagers English This collection of student essays is to serve as the centerpiece of our journal about teenage life.

Ending Abusive Child Labor English 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 plight faced by the young girl pictured on our cover and the many efforts under way to help her and the many thousands of children in situations like hers around the world.