2024 Great Decisions

Our Great Decisions conversations will start on Thursday, January 5th from 5:30—7:30 pm. Please refer to the Event Calendar listed on this newsletter for upcoming Zoom meetings.

Topics for Great Decisions 2024

1. Mideast Realignment By Marc Lynch
   The United States and Middle East are at a crossroads. In spite of a reduced presence in the Middle East, the U.S. still has significant national interests there and the area is a key arena for global power politics. Can the U.S. continue to defend its interests in the Middle East and globally with a lower level of military and political involvement, or should it recommit to a leading role in the region?
   Discussion Leader: Maria Ellis, Thurs. Feb. 1^st
2. Climate technology and competition By Bud Ward
   Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. Feb. 29th
3. Science across borders By Mila Rosenthal
   Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. March 7th
4. U.S. -China trade rivalry By Jonathan Chanis
   China’s economic rise and its current policies of increasing the role of the state in the economy have led some U.S. policymakers to seek to deny China access to U.S. technology and investment. This is seen as a necessary corrective to decades of predatory Chinese economic policies. Is this a wise strategy, and how effective can it be?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. March 21st
5. NATO’s future By Sarwar Kashmeri
   Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has come under increased scrutiny, not because NATO troops are involved in the conflict, but because of its role in relations between Russia and its neighbors. Will expanding membership in NATO protect countries, or will it further provoke Russia?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. April 4th
6. Understanding Indonesia By Charles Sullivan
   Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans. But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. April 18th
7. High Seas Treaty By FPA editors
   Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. April 25th
8. Pandemic preparedness By Carolyn Reynolds
   Looking back at the covid-19 pandemic, there are many lessons to take away in terms of domestic and international policies. Although this pandemic seems to have waned, how can we apply these lessons to future pandemics? Will countries cooperate, and will a consensus emerge on how to manage global health challenges?
   Discussion Leader: TBD, Thurs. May 9th

Zoom Meetings, 5:30—6:30 p.m.  For more information, email Marial Ellis at mellis@fsacap.com

Click on the link below for all our scheduled zoom meetings (same link for all):  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7457199346?pwd=VXl4YURMSmdsSXpxRHdia0Nwa01FUT09      Meeting ID: 745 719 9346    Passcode: AAUW    To join by telephone:  dial (646)931-3860

2023 Great Decisions

Great Decisions Topics 2023:
Our Great Decisions conversations will start on Thursday, January 5th from 5:30—7:30 pm. Please refer to the Event Calendar listed on this newsletter for upcoming Zoom meetings.

Topics for Great Decisions 2023

3. Energy Geopolitics
   Access to oil and gas has long held an influence over the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world?  By Carolyn Kissane
   Discussion Leader:  Maria Ellis, Thursday, January 5
4. War Crimes
   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? By Francine Hirsch
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, Jan. 19
5. China and the U.S.
   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? By David Lampton
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, Feb. 16

6. Economic Warfare
   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 19^th 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? By Jonathan Chanis
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, March 2

7. Politics in Latin America
   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? By Jorge Castañeda
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, March 16

7. Global Famine
   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? By Daniel Maxwell
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, March 30
8. Iran at a Crossroads
   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? By Lawrence Potter
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, April 6

9. Climate Migration
   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? By Karen Jacobsen
   Discussion Leader:  TBD, Thursday, April 20

Zoom Meetings, 5:30—7:30 p.m.  For more information, email Marial Ellis at mellis@fsacap.com

Click on the link below for all our scheduled zoom meetings (same link for all):  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7457199346?pwd=VXl4YURMSmdsSXpxRHdia0Nwa01FUT09      Meeting ID: 745 719 9346    Passcode: AAUW    To join by telephone:  dial (646)931-3860

Topics for Great Decisions 2020

1. CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE GLOBAL ORDER

Climate change has become one of the defining issues of our time. As much of the world bands together to come up with a plan, the U.S. remains the notable holdout. What is the rest of the world doing to combat climate change? What impact will the effects of climate change have on global geopolitics?
Date:  2nd Thurs, March 12
Reviewer:  Julie Kleszczewski

2. INDIA AND PAKISTAN

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode a wave of Hindu nationalism to a historic reelection in 2019. His first order of business was to revoke the special status granted to the Kashmir region, inflaming the rivalry between India and Pakistan. How will the Kashmir situation affect the region, both economically and politically?
Date:  2nd Thurs, June 11
Reviewer:  TBD

3. RED SEA SECURITY

The Red Sea has remained vital for global trade since the time of ancient Egypt. Once home to the spice trade, the Red Sea now sees millions of barrels of oil a day transported across its waters. With major nations like China, France, Italy, and the U.S. building large ports and bases in the region, what does the future of the region look like? How important is Red Sea security for global security? Can the region be a place of global cooperation?
Date:  4th Thurs, March 26
Reviewer:  Maria Ellis

4. MODERN SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Almost every nation has enacted laws criminalizing human trafficking, and international organizations, governments, and NGOs sponsor a large variety of projects to curb trafficking and slavery. Billions of dollars have been allocated to these efforts. What is the international community doing to combat slavery and trafficking? What are the experiences like for those being trafficked?
Date:  2nd Thurs, April 9
Reviewer:  TBD

5. U.S. RELATIONS WITH THE NORTHERN TRIANGLE

Combatting illegal immigration has become a priority of the Trump administration. The Northern Triangle of Central America, made up of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, is a special target of the administration, which hold the nations responsible for the large flow of migrants from Latin America to the U.S. With funds from the U.S. cut, how can the Northern Triangle countries curtail migration?
Date:  4th Thurs, April 23
Reviewer:  TBD

6. CHINA’S ROAD INTO LATIN AMERICA

As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”?
Date:  4th Thurs, May 20
Reviewer:  TBD

7. THE PHILIPPINES AND THE U.S.

The Philippines has had a special relationship with the United States since the islands were ceded by Spain to the United States after the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century.  However, since the election of Rodrigo Duterte, the country has pivoted more toward China, and away from the U.S. Duterte has also launched a largescale war on drugs that many criticize for its brutality. What does the future hold for U.S, relations with the Philippines?
Date:  4th Thurs, June 25
Reviewer:  TBD

8. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA

Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it. Will the U.S. follow suit?
Date:  2nd Thurs, May 14
Reviewer:  Dr. C.S. Rani

Topics for Great Decisions* 2018

1.  The Waning of Pax Americana? By Carla Norrlof

During the first months of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. began a historic shift away from Pax Americana, the liberal international order that was established in the wake of World War II. Since 1945, Pax Americana has promised peaceful international relations and an open economy, buttressed by U.S. military power. In championing “America First” isolationism and protectionism, President Trump has shifted the political mood toward selective U.S. engagement, where foreign commitments are limited to areas of vital U.S. interest and economic nationalism is the order of the day. Geopolitical allies and challengers alike are paying close attention.
Date:  4th Thurs, Jan. 25
Reviewer:  Julie Kleszczewski

2.  Russia’s Foreign Policy By Allen C. Lynch

Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia is projecting an autocratic model of governance abroad and working to undermine the influence of liberal democracies, namely along Russia’s historical borderlands. Russia caused an international uproar in 2016, when it interfered in the U.S. presidential contest. But Putin’s foreign policy toolkit includes other instruments, from alliances with autocrats to proxy wars with the U.S. in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria. How does Putin conceive of national interests, and why do Russian citizens support him? How should the United States respond to Putin’s foreign policy ambitions?
Date:  2th Thurs, Feb 8
Reviewer:  Dr. Elaine Fenton

3.  China and America: the New Geopolitical Equation
By David M. Lampton

In the last 15 years, China has implemented a wide-ranging strategy of economic outreach and expansion of all its national capacities, including military and diplomatic capacities. Where the United States has taken a step back from multilateral trade agreements and discarded the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), China has made inroads through efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). What are Beijing’s geopolitical objectives? What leadership and political conditions in each society underlie growing Sino-American tensions?  What policies might Washington adopt to address this circumstance?
Date:  4th Thurs, Feb.22
Reviewer:  Jayne Herrick

4.  Media and Foreign Policy By Susan Moeller

State and non-state actors today must maneuver a complex and rapidly evolving media landscape. Conventional journalism now competes with user-generated content. Official channels of communication can be circumvented through social media. Foreign policy is tweeted from the White House and “fake news” has entered the zeitgeist. Cyberwarfare, hacking and misinformation pose complex security threats. How are actors using media to pursue and defend their interests in the international arena? What are the implications for U.S. policy?
Date:  2nd Thurs, Mar 8
Reviewer:  TBD

5.  Turkey: a Partner in Crisis By Ömer Taşpinar

Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. One year on, an overwhelming majority of the population considers the United States to be their country’s greatest security threat. In this age of a worsening “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West, even more important than its place on the map is what Turkey symbolically represents as the most institutionally Westernized Muslim country in the world.
Date:  4th Thurs, Mar.22
Reviewer:  Maria Ellis

6.  U.S. Global Engagement and the Military By Gordon Adams

The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its military. Some argue for an “America First” paradigm, with a large military to ensure security, while others call for a more assertive posture overseas. Some advocate for a restoration of American multilateral leadership and a strengthened role for diplomacy. Still others envision a restrained U.S. role, involving a more limited military. How does the military function in today’s international order, and how might it be balanced with diplomatic and foreign assistance capabilities?
Date:  2nd Thurs, April 12
Reviewer:  TBD

7.  South Africa’s Fragile Democracy By Sean Jacobs

The African National Congress (ANC) party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface. Given America’s history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy.
Date:  4th Thurs, April.26
Reviewer:  TBD

8.  Global Health: Progress and Challenges By Joshua Michaud

The collective action of countries, communities and organizations over the last 30 years has literally saved millions of lives around the world. Yet terrible inequalities in health and wellbeing persist. The world now faces a mix of old and new health challenges, including the preventable deaths of mothers and children, continuing epidemics of infectious diseases, and rising rates of chronic disease. We also remain vulnerable to the emergence of new and deadly pandemics. For these reasons, the next several decades will be just as important—if not more so—than the last in determining wellbeing across nations.
Date:  2th Thurs, May 10
Reviewer:  Dr. C.S. Rani

Charles Room, The Harvard Club, 27 W 44th St., 5:30—7:30 p.m.
For more information, email Julie K: juliek@msn.com
*Check back with us for a finalized list of authors and titles for each topic.