Part II: Great Decisions 2009

What is America's role in the world? How do we as citizens inform ourselves and make Great Decisions? Great Decisions, a program of the Foreign Policy Association, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. The heart of the program is Americans talking about the world issues that concern and affect us. In today's world, gaining a greater understanding of and appreciation for the world's trouble spots and critical issues is essential.

There are two parts of Great Decisions 2009. Each part deals with four separate issues. To cover all eight issues of the Great Decisions 2009 program, register for both parts. You may take only one part if you choose. If you are unable to attend a session at the Villages, you may attend it at the other site, the Sobrato Community Conference Center in Milpitas and vice versa. Just let us know you will be coming to the session (408-924-2734).

We will also schedule a section of Great Decision in the summer term of 2009.

To experience the Great Decisions program, come to a free discussion:

Tuesday, February 17. 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Sobrato Community Conference Center, Milpitas.

The topic taken from the Great Decisions 2008 lineup, is Engaging the Enemy: Iran, North Korea and Hamas. The US has no shortage of enemies. Should American diplomats engage with the enemy in an age of terrorism and nuclear proliferation?

Call 408-924-2734 to register and so that we can send you the pre-discussion reading.

Prior to each week's discussion, you read a section in the briefing book. To order by phone, call toll-free, 800-477-5836. (The Foreign Policy Association accepts VISA, MasterCard and American Express.) Online orders can be placed on the bookstore page at www.greatdecisions.org. We will discuss topics in the order below. At the discussion, you will see a short DVD prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. This usually is a panel of experts or in some cases a single expert. The presentation broadens what you read in the briefing book. Then, we break into small groups for discussion.

Off the Grid: Energy and the US Economy

Rising energy prices, driver by instability in key producing regions 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?

Race for the Arctic

Rising global temperatures have created new opportunities in the Arctic for resource extraction and intercontinental 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?

Running Out: The Global Food Crisis

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?

Human Rights: Never Again, Again and Again

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?