Great Decisions Discussion Group 2023

Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs, and was designed by the Foreign Policy Association to bring people together in study groups to discuss, debate and learn about important global challenges of our time.

Our discussion group is sponsored by SCNOVA. Facilitators are Mike Mulreany and Joanna Walker. Anyone of any age with an interest in expanding his/her knowledge of international relations as well as engaging in active discussion of crucial global issues is welcome to join. Each participant’s point of view carries equal weight and everyone is encouraged to share opinions and ideas. Consensus is not a goal. The true focus of this discussion group is the critical examination of all issues and opinions, all recognized as equally valid.

Registration is required, as well as the purchase of a briefing book, but there is no fee to join. Limited to 25 participants to allow for active discussion. Contact Mike Mulreany (mulreany@verizon.net) to register and for briefing book purchase info.

Meeting dates (subject to change) 1:00pm to 3:00pm held virtually by Zoom:

• February 17, 2023 – Energy Geopolitics by Carolyn Kissan
  Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?
• March 17, 2023 – War Crimes by Francine Hirsch
  Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread charges of war crimes and calls for justice. But what exactly are war crimes? Opinions of what constitutes a war crime have evolved, as have ways to identify and punish the perpetrators. How will the war crimes committed in Ukraine be dealt with?
• April 21, 2023 – China and the U.S by David Lampton
  For the past ten years, the United States and China have been locked in a competition for who has the greatest global influence. One major point of contention is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty, which has become even more relevant recently with the possibility that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may prompt China to take similar action regarding Taiwan. How will the United States engage a China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence?
• May 19, 2023 – Economic Warfare by Allen Lynch
  Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?
• June 16, 2023 – Politics in Latin America by Jorge Castañeda
  Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?
• September 15, 2023 – Global Famine by Daniel Maxwell
  Fears of global food shortages have followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined, and how is it different from simple food shortages? What if any remedies are there?
• October 20, 2023 – Iran at a Crossroads by Lawrence Potter
  By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?
• November 17, 2023 – Climate Migration by Karen Jacobsen
  As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals, and how might the United States aid them, and be affected by the migration?