Series is the centerpiece of longest-running foreign affairs discussion program

For the eleventh consecutive year the Desmond-Fish Library will be hosting a series of Great Decisions discussions.  Sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, this discussion series is the centerpiece of the longest-running foreign affairs discussion program in the United States.  Each year thousands of Americans take part in Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of, and to express their opinions on, eight of the timeliest U.S. foreign policy concerns.

The topic of the first discussion, facilitated by Library Director Carol Donick, will be Middle East Realignment on Mar. 20 at 3:30 p.m.  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? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?

Participants are encouraged to read an article in the Great Decisions briefing books before the discussion on that topic, to start out with a common body of knowledge. The Great Decisions briefing books are available at the library and are available for purchase ($15) or may be borrowed.

Schedule of upcoming series events

  • Promoting democracy, facilitated by J. Carlos Salcedo, Tuesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Mexico, facilitated by Hans Moehler, on Tuesday, April 17, at 3:30 p.m.
  • Cyber-security, facilitated by Eric Wagner, on Tuesday, May 1, at 3:30 p.m.
  • Exit from Afghanistan & Iraq, facilitated by Nick Angell, on Saturday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m.
  • State of the Oceans, facilitated by Camilla Von Bergen, on Tuesday, May 29 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Indonesia, facilitated by Margi Condyles, on Saturday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Energy Geopolitics facilitated by Anne Impellizzeri, on Tuesday, June 26 at 3:30 p.m.

The discussion series at the Desmond-Fish library are made possible through support from the Friends of the Desmond-Fish Library. For more information, please contact the Desmond Fish Library, at [email protected] or 845-424-3020

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