Indiana Council on World Affairs, Inc.(ICWA)

Great Decisions

Great Decisions promotes citizen awareness and discussion about timely foreign policy issues.   Developed by the private, non-partisan Foreign Policy Association In New York City, it is the oldest and largest grassroots educational program on world affairs of its kind in the country with 880 cities offering programs which include 350,000 participants.

The purpose of Great Decisions is to educate citizens about issues of vital importance relating to American foreign policy, to provide them with the knowledge to make informed decisions about the topics covered, and to enable them to participate in the foreign-policy process.

Each year, a knowledgeable panel selects eight topics.  In-depth articles on each subject are written by experts and compiled into the 100 page softbound Great Decisions Briefing Book available from the Foreign Policy Association about the first of the year.

ICWA participates in Great Decisions by scheduling a local program and by promoting the Great Decisions series throughout the state.

The Tuesday night ICWA local Great Decisions program focuses on the 8 topics in the Great Decisions Briefing Book with issues explored through discussions led by informed speakers.  Eight Tuesday night meetings during January, February and March currently are scheduled to be held in Room 156 of the Pharmacy Building at Butler University.  Registration is at 7:00 pm, Program at 7:30 pm. 

THE GREAT DECISIONS 2012 PROGRAM

January 31, 2012

Middle East realignment

Pierre Atlas, Richard G. Lugar Franciscan Center for Global Studies, Marian University

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? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?

February 7, 2012

Promoting democracy

Milind Thakar, Department of International Relations, University of Indianapolis

The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today? With a choice of tools ranging from economic aid to military force, what are the appropriate yet effective methods that the U.S. should use to promote democracy?

February 14, 2012

Cybersecurity

Bob Sipes, HP Enterprise Services 

The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?

February 20, 2012

Mexico

Ageeth Sluis, Department of History and Anthropology, Butler University 

Mexico’s border with Central America, as well as the border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges? What is the future of Mexico’s relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico’s foreign relations affect its domestic politics?

February 28, 2012

Exit from Afghanistan & Iraq

David Vesper, University High School and Indiana Army National Guard

Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve its counterterrorism goals? What is the role of the U.S. in the future of the Middle East?

March 6, 2012

State of the oceans

James Ogg, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Science, Purdue University 

The world’s oceans are essential to life on earth, and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource?

March 13, 2012

SPRING BREAK

March 20, 2012

Indonesia

Mike Chambers, Department of Political Science, Indiana State University

Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia’s role in the global community?

March 27, 2012

Energy geopolitics

William A. Foley, School of Public and Enviromental Affairs, IUPUI

The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will the U.S.’s energy needs affect its relations with other nations?

FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE ICWA-SPONSORED GREAT DECISIONS SERIES, JANUARY 31 - MARCH 27, 2012, CONTACT Cathy Plump at 317-595-0850 or Janet Juster at ajuster1@comcast dot net.

ICWA promotes Great Decisions statewide by advising prospective groups on possible program formats and by selling these groups Great Decisions Briefing Books at special prices.  Participants in Indiana have included schools, universities, libraries, service clubs, AAUW and League of Women Voters organizations, churches, retirement communities and private individuals.  If you or your organization is interested in initiating a program and would like information or suggestions email Cynny Robinson at cynny5 at gmail dot com.