Great Decisions

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Increase your awareness of global issues during this eight-week discussion series. GCIV serves as the statewide coordinator for the Great Decisions Program by helping facilitate discussion groups and lecture series that give participants the opportunity to expand their understanding of world affairs. Topics change annually and are based on the Foreign Policy Association’s nonpartisan briefing book. Contact Nicole Rateau for more information.

Click here to view video of the Dunwoody United Methodist Church and GCIV Foreign Policy Lecture Series provided by the Atlanta Forum Network.

Announced Discussion Groups for 2012

This list will be updated as new groups are confirmed.

Dunwoody United Methodist Church and GCIV Foreign Policy Lecture Series
Meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM January 19 – March 8, 2012
Location: 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338
Cost: $30 (individual rate includes briefing book), $40 (companion rate if sharing briefing book) or special 50th anniversary offer – $50 (includes briefing book and one-year membership in GCIV which provides exclusive opportunities to interact with distinguished international visitors)
Click here for details.

Carrollton/Carroll County League of Women Voters and Carrollton Rotary Club Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Lecture Series
Meets every Thursday at 7:00 PM February 2 – March 22, 2012
Location: Tracy Stallings Community Center, Rotary Room, 118 South White Street, Carrollton, GA 30117
Contact: 770-830-5993 or elbarrow@carrollcountyga.com

Piedmont College Great Decisions
Meets every Tuesday from 3–4:00 PM starting January 10, 2012
Location: Piedmont College Arrendale Library, Demorest GA 30535
Contact: 706-778-3000 x 1250 or mgardner@piedmont.edu

Henry County Great Decisions
Meets every Sunday at 7:00 PM January 29 – March 18, 2012
Location: McDonough Presbyterian Church Library, 427 McGarity Road, McDonough, GA 30252
Contact: mike@griffininsure.com

Central Congregational United Church of Christ
Meets every Sunday at 9:30 AM February 5 – March 25, 2012
Location: 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: ginnie@central-ucc.org

Athens-Clarke County Library Great Decisions
Meets every Monday time TBD starting April 2012
Location: 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA 30606
Contact: jtate@athenslibrary.org

2012 Discussion Topics

Middle East Realignment by Augustus Richard Norton
The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for the Middle East’s transition to democracy? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?

Promoting Democracy by Larry Diamond
The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today? 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?

Mexico George Grayson
Mexico’s border with Central America, as well as the border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges? What is the future of Mexico’s relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico’s foreign relations affect its domestic politics?

Cybersecurity by Ronald Deibert
The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?

Exit from Afghanistan and Iraq by Michael E. O’Hanlon
Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve its counterterrorism goals? What is the role of the U.S. in the future of the Middle East?

State of the Oceans by Sara Tjossem
The world’s oceans are essential to life on earth, and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource?

Indonesia by James Castle
Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia’s role in the global community?

Energy Geopolitics by William Sweet
The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will the U.S.’s energy needs affect its relations with other nations?