Debates and diplomacy have long been intertwined with history and policymaking. When successfully used, they provide a means for finding nonviolent solutions to perceived differences and problems. For the 2022 National History Day (NHD) competition, students will be asked to explore topics relating to how debate and diplomacy have been used, successfully or not, throughout history.
Both debate and diplomacy use discussion and persuasion to defend viewpoints and build affiliations. During formal debates, opponents alternately present arguments to support their position. Diplomacy uses dialogue, negotiation, and compromise to influence the decisions and conduct of others. We often hear about diplomacy as it relates to dealings with foreign countries.
History has shown that respectful debate and diplomacy can lead to the peaceful resolution of disagreements. When they succeed, connections and alliances are built. When they fail, consequences ensue.
To learn more about the National History Day competitions and the 2022 theme, Debate & Diplomacy in History: Successes, Failures, Consequences, visit nhd.org. Look for the links to the NHD theme book, rule book, and videos. Each provides valuable information about this annual event.
I encourage anyone who will be participating in this annual contest to begin their research with a visit to The Library. We have an extensive collection of books, databases, and other materials on this topic.
Start by exploring our catalog. (A keyword search using the term “Debate” yielded 432 nonfiction titles, while a similar search using “Diplomacy” yielded 111 nonfiction titles.) If you prefer digital resources, browse through the eBooks offered by EBSCO eBooks and Gale eBooks. Links to both can be found at dcls.org/ebooks.
Below is a small sampling of books/eBooks relevant to the study of debates or diplomacy. (To view a more complete list, click on the links in the previous paragraph.)
Newspaper articles are another great source of historical content. Microfilm records for The Patriot-News (dating from 1949) and for The New York times (1973-2010) are housed at the East Shore Area Library. Digital access to still more early Pennsylvania newspapers can be found using the Newspapers.com database.
These are just a few of the many resources that The Library offers. I am confident that if you visit one of The Library’s locations or explore the databases and eBooks offered at dcls.org, you will find what you need to get started.
As you continue your research, you may choose to explore online content as well. Here are a few web pages that I recommend:
Diplomacy:
- https://diplomacy.state.gov/education/
- https://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=usagov&query=diplomacy
Debate History:
- https://www.debates.org/debate-history/
- https://ge.usembassy.gov/the-spirited-history-of-presidential-debates/
- https://search.usa.gov/search?affiliate=usagov&query=debates
Whether you will be competing in the National History Day competition or not, I hope that by reading and examining the books and materials on this topic, you will be reminded of the value of using such practices to build consensus and agreement.