Not too long ago, American students were required to study civics and geography – courses intended to make them better citizens of the world. In recent years, books like Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat pointed out the need for global awareness.

As part of WGBH News’ ongoing look at the role of higher education in this country and the world, we will be asking big thinkers to assess the state of America’s global competitiveness.

WGBH News’ Kirk Carapezza recently traveled to New York City to talk with Richard Haass, the president of the Council on Foreign Relations and former Bush administration official about this topic.

"Education is central to national security, even though people don't often think of it that way," Haass said. "You need an educated society if you're going to have civic support for policy. If a country is not educated, people will be alienated from the political world. They won't be able to hold the politicians to account."

Listen to Kirk’s extended interview with Richard Haass here: