FCC *GLOBAL ISSUES / “GREAT DECISIONS 2022”
Join in this group discussion and exercise in civil discourse focused on global foreign policy issues and its impact on U.S Foreign Policy. We will be discussing 9 different topics, following The FPA program, as a group you will be emailed the topics and Zoom link, during each online program, we will watch a 20-minute video pertaining to topic, with discussion to follow.
The FPA,(Foreign Policy Association) is a private, non-profit organization and is the oldest and largest grassroots, educational program on world affairs.
The “GREAT DECISIONS 2022” book is not mandatory to participate but recommended at a cost of $35 plus shipping and handling.
Visit this link to order your 2022 Great Decisions Briefing Book- Note this is a pre-order item, continue the checkout process, ignoring the pop-up message.
Date: Group will meet via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Monday of every month beginning February 7th
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Facilitator: Leslie Berger
Membership: Basic $30 annually or greater
Topics:
Feb 7th, Changing Demographics – 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.
Feb 21st,Outer Space – 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?
March 7th, Climate Change– The ideological divide in the United States about 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?
March 21st, Russia – 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?
April 4th, Myanmar and ASEAN- 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?
April 18th, The Quad Alliance -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?
May 2, Industrial Policy-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?
May 16th, Drug Policy in Latin America-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?
Date TBA -Biden’s Agenda-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?