map of US with items US gets from other countries

Building Bridges: U.S. Bilateral and Multilateral Relations

In this lesson, students will explore the reasons for bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations and their importance in advancing America's interests abroad.

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In its most fundamental form, diplomacy is about relationships.

The U.S. has diplomatic relations with almost 200 countries around the world. Bilateral, or between two countries, relations around the world are the foundation of U.S. diplomacy. But why do U.S. diplomats build and maintain relationships with people, countries, and international organizations?

Each relationship is unique and plays an important role in advancing America’s interests and values abroad.

In this lesson, students will identify the difference between bilateral and multilateral diplomatic relations. They will also explore the patterns of U.S. diplomatic interactions in order to analyze why the U.S. has diplomatic relationships with countries and organizations.

Materials & Links

Download Lesson Plan
Activity Worksheet
Nation and Organization Activity Cards
Teacher’s presentation in Google Slides (This resource is set to “view only.” Please make a copy to modify the resource and use it with your students.)

Standards Alignment

D2.Civ.6.9-12: Critique relationships among governments, civil societies, and economic markets.
DCPS.8.44: Analyze how international alliances and agreements expand and limit people’s access to power around the world.