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| Great Decisions |
Increase your awareness of global issues during this eight-week discussion series
GCIV is the state coordinator for the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions program. The series helps participants develop an informed opinion on the role the United States plays in world affairs. Participants purchase the Great Decisions briefing books ($18 unless otherwise noted below), published annually by the Foreign Policy Association. Discussion groups meet across the state of Georgia – look below to find the best group for you, or contact Ashley Mastin to start a new group.
Announced Discussion Groups for 2009
This list will be updated as new groups are confirmed
Dunwoody United Methodist Church and GCIV
Foreign Policy Lecture Series
Meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM starting January 22nd
Location: 1548 Mt. Vernon Road, Atlanta, GA
Cost: $25 (spouse $10 extra if book shared)
Contact: 770-393-9571 or sussikent@aol.com
Click here for the list of speakers
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Emory
Meets every Tuesday at 11:20 AM starting January 20th
Location: 1256 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA
Contact: 404-727-6000 / sslavine@bellsouth.net
Piedmont College
Meets every Tuesday at 3:00 PM starting January 20th
Location: Piedmont College, Arrendale Library, 165 Central Avenue, Demorest, GA 30535
Contact: mgardner@piedmont.edu
Central Georgia Great Decisions
Meets 4th Thursday, January - May, September & October, and 3rd Thursday November, at 7:30 PM
Location: Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Corner Ingleside and Pierce, Macon, GA
Contact: HARGROVE_RJ@Mercer.edu
Henry County Great Decisions
Meets every Sunday at 7:00 PM starting January 25th
Location: McDonough Presbyterian Church, 427 McGarity Road McDonough, GA 30253
Contact: mike@griffininsure.com
Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Atlanta
Meets every Wednesday at 7:30 PM starting January 28th
Location: 1911 Cliff Valley Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: aarchbold@cdc.gov
Evening at Emory Great Decisions Discussion Group
Moderators provided by International Issues Forum
Meets every Thursday at 7:30 PM starting January 29th
Location: Evening at Emory Briarcliff Campus, 1256 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA
Register online at the Evening at Emory web site or call 404-727-6000.
Central Congregational Church
Meets every Sunday at 9:30 AM starting February 1st
Location: Fellowship Hall, 2676 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: memyers@hemc.net
Wesley Woods Great Decisions Discussion Group
Meets every other Tuesday at 1:30 PM starting February 2nd
Location: 801 Towers Circle, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: lodge3@bellsouth.net
Floyd Hoskins Great Decisions Series
Sponsored by the Carrollton/Carroll County League of Women Voters and the Carrollton Rotary
Meets every Thursday at 7:00 PM starting February 5th
Location: Carrollton Community Activities Center, Rotary Room, 118 South White Street, Carrollton, GA
Contact: 770-830-5993 / elbarrow@carrollcountyga.com
Click here to view the list of speakers.
Athens-Clarke County
Will meet in April 2009
Location: Athens-Clarke County Library, 2025 Baxter Street, Athens, GA
Contact: jtate@athenslibrary.org
2009 Discussion Topics
U.S. and rising powers
Since the end of the cold war, the U.S. has emerged as the world's predominant power. However, in the 21st century some rapidly developing countries have become increasingly influential. Who are these “rising powers?” Will their emergence change the global balance of power? How will the U.S. react?
Afghanistan/Pakistan
Newfound hopes for stability in Iraq have shifted the U.S. military focus back to Afghanistan and Pakistan, one of the most volatile border regions in the world. What impact will this renewed interest have on the two states as well as on U.S. defense strategy?
Energy & the global economy
Rising energy prices, driven by instability in key producing regions such as the Middle East and increasing demand from developing countries, are affecting the global economy. What are the potential consequences of huge wealth transfers to oil-exporting states? Are there any realistic alternative energy scenarios on the horizon?
The Arctic
Rising global temperatures have created new opportunities in the Arctic for resource extraction and inter-continental transport. How will sovereignty disputes among the five countries that border the Arctic affect its potential development? What impact will this race for the Arctic have on an environment already in serious flux?
Egypt in the 21st Century
Egypt has long played an important role in the Arab world while maintaining a strategic relationship with the U.S. With elections scheduled for 2009, how will Egypt deal with serious domestic issues, ranging from Islamic radicalism to food shortages? What factors will influence the path of this regional heavyweight?
Global food supply
Global prices for food staples have risen dramatically, resulting in protests and unrest around the world. What factors are driving prices up, and can they be tamed? What will the political fallout be for governments that fail to act, and what role can global institutions play?
Cuba after Castro
Since Fidel Castro handed over the presidency of Cuba to his brother, Raúl in early 2008, signs of greater economic openness have led to much speculation. Will Raúl seek to reopen ties with the U.S.? What role will Cuba's American exiles play in shaping a post-Castro Cuba?
Universal human rights
As the Universal Declaration of Human Rights celebrates its 60th anniversary, events in the Balkans, Sudan and Myanmar continue to challenge its idealism, while raising new questions about the prospects for humanitarian interventions. Do human rights transcend national borders and customs? Is the definition of human rights changing?
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