| Great Decisions 2009 - NEW! | |
| Various | No. 22159W |
| Tuition: $100.00 | 8 sessions |
| Great Decisions 2009 Discussion Group
Global challenges have increasingly become domestic challenges with events in even the remotest parts of the world affecting our lives in myriad ways. If you ever wonder how to make sense of it all, the Great Decisions Program may interest you. You’re invited to join Great Decisions 2009 as a way to: learn about U.S. foreign policy and global issues discuss multiple viewpoints in a group setting take part in a national opinion ballot survey on policy issues Great Decisions will take you beyond the headlines by providing a look at eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing the US and the world today. The Great Decisions publication, produced by the Foreign Policy Association, provides background information, current data, and policy options for each of the eight issues and serves as the focal text for discussion groups. The topics for 2009 are: SPRING 2009 The U.S. and Rising Powers. Since the end of the cold war, the U.S. has emerged as the world’s predominant power. However, in the 21st century some rapidly developing countries have become increasingly influential. Who are these “rising powers?” Will their emergence change the global balance of power? How will the U.S. react? Facilitator: Dr. Keith Pomakoy, Assistant Professor of History Date: Monday, February 23, 2009, 1:00pm-3:00pm Afghanistan and Pakistan. Newfound hopes for stability in Iraq have shifted the U.S. military focus back to Afghanistan and Pakistan, one of the most volatile regions in the world. What impact will this renewed interest have on the two states as well as on U.S. defense strategy? Facilitator: Dr. Charles Bailey, Distinguished Professor of History Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 1:00pm-3:00pm Energy and the Global Economy. Rising energy prices, driven by instability in key producing regions such as the Middle East and increasing demand from developing countries, are affecting the global economy. What are the potential consequences of huge wealth transfers to oil-exporting states? Are there any realistic alternative energy scenarios on the horizon? Facilitator: A. Nicholas Buttino, Professor of Business Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2009, 1:00pm-3:00pm The Arctic Age. Rising global temperatures have created new opportunities in the Arctic for resource extraction and intercontinental transport. How will sovereignty disputes among the five countries that border the Arctic affect its potential development? What impact will this race for the Arctic have on an environment already in serious flux. Facilitator and Date TBD FALL 2009 Egypt in the 21st Century. Egypt has long played an important role in the Arab world while maintaining a strategic relationship with the U.S. With elections scheduled for 2009, how will Egypt deal with serious domestic issues, ranging from Islamic radicalism to food shortages? What factors will influence the path of this regional heavyweight? Facilitator: Jeffrey Peck, retired Professor of Political Science Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009, 1:00pm-3:00pm Global food supply. Global prices for food staples have risen dramatically, resulting in protests and unrest around the world. What factors are driving prices up, and can they be tamed? What will the political fallout be for governments that fail to act, and what role can global institutions play? Date and Facilitator TBD Cuba after Castro. Since Fidel Castro handed over the presidency of Cuba to his brother, Raúl in early 2008, signs of greater economic openness have led to much speculation. Will Raúl seek to reopen ties with the U.S.? What role will Cuba's American exiles play in shaping a post-Castro Cuba? Facilitator: Dr. Martin Wasserman, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Antropology Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:30pm-2:30pm Universal human rights. As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 60th anniversary, events in the Balkans, Sudan and Myanmar continue to challenge its idealism, while raising new questions about the prospects for humanitarian interventions. Do human rights transcend national borders and customs? Is the definition of human rights changing? Date and Facilitator TBD The discussion format is intended to: promote thoughtful discourse, bring people together to express their ideas and opinions, and help them learn from each other. The goal of the discussion group is to deepen members’ understanding of the issues and sharpen their judgment. This occurs when people freely exchange views and consider a variety of viewpoints in a focused discussion in a “safe environment.” The process – democratic discussion among equals – is as important as the opinions expressed. At the end of each discussion, participants use opinion ballots to express their thoughts on various policy options. The ballots are returned to the Foreign Policy Association for tabulation and publication in the National Opinion Ballot Report. This report is presented to the White House, the departments of State and Defense, members of Congress, the national media, and program participants. For 55 years, Great Decisions has given an inspiring example of the role citizens can play in discovering, discussing, and deciding how some of the world’s greatest challenges can be met. Great Decisions is a national, civic-education program sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association which is a non-profit, educational organization established in 1918. The program has been adopted as a national flagship education program by the World Affairs Councils of America (www.worldaffairscouncils.org) Source: Foreign Policy Association (www.fpa.org) * Sorry, we cannot honor audits for this course. |
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