Gutek�s rigorously updated second edition targets international education in today�s dynamic, interconnected, and interdependent global society. It examines and compares educational systems in their national contexts. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1 is a blend of historical, philosophical, political, and sociological perspectives on a variety of foundational topics in international education, including the vital interests of developing and developed nation-states; the implications of ethnonationalism; political, economic, environmental, and educational relationships; transnational issues in a global society; and citizenship education. Part 2 first scrutinizes the concept of comparative education and then explores the essential elements of education in the United States--a sturdy departure point for analyses and comparisons of the national contexts and education in eight representative countries: the United Kingdom, France, the Russian Federation, Mexico, Japan, the People�s Republic of China, India, and Nigeria. UNESCO states that education for all is one of the biggest moral challenges of our times. One step toward propagating the universal right to education is making a conscious effort to understand the educational systems of other nations.

Part I. FOUNDATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
1. Education in a Changing World

The Legacy of World War II: The Cold War / The End of Imperialism and Decolonization / The Advent of the Nuclear Age / The End of the Cold War / New Economic Centers of Power / Rapid Communication and Transportation / Global Environmental Issues / Conflict in the Middle East / The War on Terror / Why There Is a Need for International Education / Conclusion

2. Defining International Education

National Citizenship and a Global Society / Educators' Search for International Understanding / More Contemporary Theories of International Education / Definitions of International Education / Creating a Stipulated Definition of International Education / Conclusion

3. The American Role in International Education: A Historical Perspective

The Insularity of American Education / The U.S. on the World Scene / Idealism and Realism: Two Views of International Relations / Conclusion

4. National and International Security and Education

Recent Events and National Security / Nation-States and National Security / Peace and War / Conclusion

5. Changing Perspectives on International Development and Development Education

A Historical Perspective on Development and Development Education / The Top-Down Model of Development and Development Education / Modernization and Education / Critics of Top-Down Development / Emergence of a New Development Strategy: Bottom-Up Development / Conclusion

6. Globalization and Education

Defining and Situating Globalization / The Intensity of Contemporary Globalization / Globalization and the World Economy / Globalization's Impact on the Nation-State / Educational Implications of Globalization / Conclusion

7. Nationalism, American Exceptionalism, and Ethnonationalism: Implications for Education

Nationalism / Exceptionalism as an Expression of American Nationalism / Ethnonationalism / Nationalism, Ethnonationalism, and Multicultural Education / Conclusion

Part II. A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF EDUCATION IN SELECTED NATION-STATES
8. Educational Systems in National Contexts

Why Study Comparative Education? / A Glimpse at the History of Comparative Education / The Problem of Comparability / Characteristics of Education / A National Context / Regionalism / Conclusion

9. Education in the United States: Context and History

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Cultural Diversity and American Education / Recent Trends / Conclusion

10. Education in the United States: Administration, Organization, and Structure

The Federal Role in Education / The States' Role in Education / The Local Role in Education / Trends and Alterations in Educational Governance and Organization / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Teacher Education / Conclusion

11. Education in the United Kingdom

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Governance and Administration of Education / Administration and Organization of Schools / Higher Education / Teachers and Teacher Education / Special and Multicultural Education / Conclusion

12. Education in France

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Governance and Administration of Education / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Teacher Education / Conclusion

13. Education in the Russian Federation

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political and Economic Contexts / Historical Context / Restructuring in a Changing Russia / Organization and Structure of Schools / Instructional Innovation / Higher Education / Teacher Education / Conclusion

14. Education in Mexico

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Governance and Administration of Education / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Teacher Education / Nonformal and Open Education / Conclusion

15. Education in Japan

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Schooling and Society / Governance and Administration of Education / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Conclusion

16. Education in the People's Republic of China

Geographic, Demographic, and Sociocultural Contexts / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / The Four Modernizations / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Conclusion

17. Education in India

Geographic and Demographic Contexts / Sociocultural Context / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Governance and Administration of Education / Organization and Structure of Schools / Higher Education / Nonformal Education / Conclusion

18. Education in Nigeria

Geographic and Demographic Contexts / Sociocultural Context / Political Context / Economic Context / Historical Context / Organization and Structure of Schools / Conclusion