May Newsletter

Hello, GPF!

As the semester wraps up, I want to start by expressing my deepest gratitude to everyone for their commitment and effort. We’ve had an incredible year, and your growth as debaters has been evident throughout each session. A special thank you goes out to our students in China, especially to the point people at your schools, who have shouldered additional responsibilities while maintaining high standards in our debates. Your hard work has made a real difference.

I also want to thank the Horace Mann debate team for writing outstanding lesson plans and providing such thoughtful materials—it’s been a collaborative effort that has truly benefited the entire program.

We’ve reached the final topic of the semester, and I’m excited for what’s to come. Let’s dive into the debate issue for May.

May Topic: Resolved: The United States should establish a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with the European Union

This is a major topic that touches on international relations, economics, and global trade policy. A U.S.-EU trade agreement could have significant implications for both parties, particularly in a world that is increasingly interconnected. Below are five articles to help you prepare for this complex debate.

1. The Case for a U.S.-EU Trade Deal

   The Wall Street Journal outlines why a comprehensive U.S.-EU trade agreement could be a win for both sides. The article emphasizes the potential for economic growth, the reduction of trade barriers, and greater cooperation between the two major economies. This piece makes a strong argument in favor of collaboration, with a focus on long-term strategic benefits.

   
   

2. Why a U.S.-EU Trade Agreement Makes Sense

   This article from The Economist provides a deeper dive into the geopolitical reasons for establishing a comprehensive trade deal between the U.S. and the EU. The author explores how such an agreement could strengthen economic and diplomatic ties, highlighting its importance in the context of global competition, particularly with China.

   
   

3. How Trade Deals with Europe Could Strengthen the U.S. Economy

   CNBC explores the potential economic benefits of a bilateral agreement, focusing on how improved trade with the EU could help the U.S. recover from the economic challenges of recent years. The article highlights the sectors that stand to benefit the most, such as tech, agriculture, and manufacturing.

   
   

4. The Complicated Politics of U.S.-EU Trade Relations

   BBC takes a look at the political challenges involved in negotiating a comprehensive trade agreement. The article discusses internal EU divisions, protectionist sentiments in the U.S., and the role of political leaders in both regions. It is essential for understanding the complex political landscape that could impact the negotiation process.

   
   

5. Challenges to a U.S.-EU Trade Deal: Why It May Not Happen

   The New York Times presents an argument against a U.S.-EU trade deal, discussing the various challenges that may prevent it from coming to fruition. It looks at regulatory hurdles, concerns about domestic industries, and the potential difficulties of reconciling different economic systems. This article offers valuable counterpoints that you can use in debates.

   
   

GPF Updates:

As we close out the semester, I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for all the hard work and dedication you’ve shown throughout the year. Your engagement in the workshops, consistent attendance, and enthusiasm have made this semester truly special. For those of you in China, thank you for your continued commitment despite the time zone challenges. A big thank you also goes out to your point people at each school for shouldering the extra work and ensuring everything ran smoothly while maintaining a strong presence in debate.

The semester isn’t quite over yet—get ready for the end-of-year in-house tournament, which will take place in mid-June. The topic for this tournament will be based on May’s topic. We highly encourage you to participate, as it will be a great opportunity to put everything you've learned into practice. Please reach out to the point-person at your school if you have questions, or if you're ready to sign up!

To help you prepare for the tournament, we recommend setting up practice rounds with other GPF members. We’ll be using a spreadsheet to track availability, so you can easily find times when your peers are free to practice. The spreadsheet will be emailed to everyone once this Newsletter goes out! These rounds will give you a chance to refine your cases and enhance your skills before the big event. Remember, the more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!

Also, as a reminder, our weekly office hours are still going strong. These sessions are incredibly helpful for polishing your arguments, practicing drills, or simply discussing current events. If you haven't yet, I highly recommend attending.

Thank you again for a wonderful semester! Your growth and improvement have been incredible to witness, and I’m excited to see how you all perform in the tournament.

Cheers,

Joann.