Geopolitical literacy means more than knowing international headlines; it is the ability to connect geography, history, and political dynamics to understand why events happen and how they might evolve. It requires critical thinking to identify patterns, assess multiple perspectives, recognize bias, and interpret data and narratives objectively.

This paper uncovers a fundamental conflict between the idealized "American Spirit" and historical reality. While nationalist historians glorify the United States’ moral leadership in foreign affairs, incidents such as the Trail of Tears and the complicated causes behind WWI intervention highlight the narrative's selective nature.