Great Decisions
Wednesdays at 3:30 – 5:30PM | January 26, 2022 – March 23, 2022
This US foreign policy discussion group meets on Wednesday afternoon starting January 26th, 2022. You will also be able to join the group via zoom.
Topics are picked by the Foreign Policy Association (www.fpa.org), who also prepare a workbook with essays on the topic and a video further exploring the subject. Each meeting is led by a volunteer who elaborates on the topic and shows the video.
No reservations are needed, but you do need to be a member of Summit Seniors (SS). To sign up or renew your membership online, go to our registration page. Or, call the Senior Center front desk at 970-668-2940. Workbooks for these sessions will be available at the front desk for $ 35.00 after January 1st. They are useful and informative.
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86046274432?pwd=OUc5MlZLNFcwbC9hSGhFNDgza0M4dz09
Meeting ID: 860 4627 4432
Passcode: 704003
Great Decisions 2022 – 9 topics
1/26/22 Russia
Presented by Bob Cardwell from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
Russia and the United States have many areas of conflict and some possible areas of mutual interest. Arms control, Russian interference in U.S. elections and support of cyberattacks, the status of Ukraine, the fate of opposition politicians in Russia, all continue to be concerning. How will the new administration in Washington approach these issues?
2/2/22 Changing Demographics
Presented by Carlton Thornberry from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political, and environmental consequences all over the globe. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to development efforts, security, climate, and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations.
2/9/22 Myanmar and ASEAN
Presented by Ty Drake from 3:00 – 5:00 via Zoom
The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play?
2/16/22 The Quad Alliance
Presented by Brian Hanly from 4:00 – 6:00 via Zoom
As part of the U.S. pivot to Asia, the United States has been in dialogue with Japan, Australia, and India in an effort to contain China. Recently, the Quad countries held joint naval exercises in the South Pacific. How effective will the actions of this alliance be?
2/23/22 Outer Space
Presented by Harold Herring & Lee Stephens 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
The launch of Sputnik I in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space?
3/2/22 Industrial Policy
Presented by Ray Smith from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
The current discussion of industrial policy in the United States is not simply about whether or not to support specific companies or industries, but about trust or mistrust of the government and its ability to manage the economy and deal with a rising China. The upheaval in supply chains during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the international economy. What policies can the United States implement to deal with trade and the economy?
3/9/22 Biden’s Agenda
Presented by Lynda Birkelbach from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
How will the Biden administration treat foreign policy, among other policies, differently from the last? The new administration in Washington promised to reverse many of the policies of the past administration, especially in foreign policy. How will issues such as climate, the pandemic, and alliances be treated under the Biden administration?
3/16/22 Climate Change
Presented by Harold Herring & Lee Stephens from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
How will the Biden administration tackle the challenges of climate change? The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate?
3/23/22 Drug Policy in Latin America
Presented by Bob Cardwell from 3:30 – 5:30 via Zoom
Have harsh drug control policies caused more harm than good? The issue of migration to the United States from Latin America has overshadowed the war on drugs, which has been underway for decades with little signs of progress. What are the roots and the bureaucratic logic behind today´s dominant drug policies in Latin America? Is it time to reconsider punitive drug control policies that disrupt supply chains and punish drug possession?
*If you would like more information, please contact Bob Cardwell at rtc048@gmail.com
