The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County is sponsoring three Great Decisions Discussion Groups beginning in February.
The Seattle group will start meetings on February 14 and continue on alternate Tuesdays through May 24. Meetings begin at 7:15 PM. Contact Vicky Downs for details at 206-329-4848.
The Mercer Island group is looking for new participants. Contact Susie Anschell at 206-329-4848 to learn the date and time of meetings.
Issaquah - Contact Denise Smith at 206-329-4848 for details.
All participants need to order the briefing book from the Foreign Policy Association. Call 800-477-5836 or email wwwfpa.org. The non-profit, non-partisan Foreign Policy Association has been publishing educational materials and presenting forums on U.S. foreign policy since the end of World War II with the goal of advancing informed citizen participation in shaping U.S. relations with the rest of the word. The briefing book is $20.00 plus shipping.
2012 Great Decisions 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 long time 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 by George Grayson - Mexico's border with Central America, as well as the border shared 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 policy affect its domestic policy?
Cybersecurity by Ron 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 sable 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 tremenndously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversitiy, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource?
Energy Geopolitics by William Sweet - The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. 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?
