Topics
Great Decisions: Engaged Citizens Learning About the World.
Great Decisions, cosponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Interweave Learning Center, runs eight Wednesdays 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. beginning Feb. 15th at Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit. The series is produced by the Foreign Policy Association which provides the excellent manual and a video to introduce each topic. Lively discussion is encouraged by the facilitator. After each session, participants fill out opinion ballots which are sent to members of Congress and appropriate departments.
The cost of the series is $95 (manual included), or $85 for members of Interweave, the League of Women Voters and Calvary Church. Individual sessions are $20 plus a one-time charge of $20 for the manual. To register call the Interweave office at 277-2120.
FEBRUARY 15 - Middle East Realignment
The Rev. Dr. Robert C. Morris, founder of Interweave, will lead off the series on Feb. 15 with the topic Middle East Realignment . The popular revolts of upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East . With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?
FEBRUARY 22 - Promoting Democracy
On February 22, the topic is Promoting Democracy and George Zipfel will be the facilitator. With a choice of tools ranging from economic aid to military force, what are the appropriate yet effective methods that the U.S. should use to promote democracy?
FEBRUARY 29 - Mexico
Foster Osborne will lead the discussion on the topic Mexico on Feb. 29. Mexico’s borders with Central America are a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges?
MARCH 7 - Cybersecurity
On March 7, Bruce Rights will lead the discussion on Cybersecurity. How will the United States and its democratic allies face challenges such as cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks? How does this new domain figure in U. S. strategic interests? MARCH 14 - Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq The topic on March 14 is Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq. What exit strategy will help these countries build stable democratic nations? Davis Gates will lead the discussion.
MARCH 14 - State of the Oceans
State of the Oceans will be the topic for March 21. Helen Campanha will guide the discussion regarding the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors such as biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems.
MARCH 28 - Indonesia
On March 28, Robert Davis will be the facilitator for Indonesia. Having emerged from authoritarianism over the past 15 years, Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. What role can it play in the global community?
APRIL 4- Energy Geopolitics
Energy Geopolitics, April 4, is the last topic and the discussion leader is Charles Fletcher. The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Russia's role as a major producer and China as heavy consumer are cause for concern.
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