Ellen Citron
The SaddleBrooke Great Decisions program will begin on Monday, January 9 at 3:00 p.m. in the ballroom at MountainView Clubhouse. The Great Decision books and the future dates of meetings will be available at this meeting—as well as a social get together after the meeting. This is also the time that dues will be collected ($10 per person or $15 per family) and the books will be available.
The 2017 topics are as follows:
1. Future of Europe – The outcome of the United Kingdom referendum on EU membership sent shockwaves across the globe. What will post-Brexit Europe look like and how can U.S. foreign policy adapt?
2. Conflict in South China Sea – Despite rising international pressure, China staunchly defends its policies in the South China Sea – region. Preventing tensions from boiling over is a matter of careful diplomacy.
3. Nuclear Security – In a fractious world, which is the best way forward for U.S. nuclear security policy? The possibility that terrorists will carry out an attack using a “dirty bomb,” made from captured nuclear materials, looks increasingly real.
4. Saudi Arabia in Transition – As Saudi Arabia struggles to adjust to the drastic decline in oil revenue, it attempts to boldly transform the country; however, many countries such as the U.S. point out the lack of democracy, women’s rights and human rights in Saudi Arabia-—as well as the rise of jihadism. Both countries need each other, but they are at a crossroads in bilateral relations.
5. Geopolitics of Energy – The U.S. today is by no means disentangled from foreign dependence and global trends. In order to be successful, policymakers must recognize both petroleum security circumstances and patterns in the relationship between petroleum and foreign policy.
6. Latin American Political Pendulum – The pendulum of Latin American politics is swinging rightward once again but, the final result for Latin America may be the emergence of centrist, pragmatic modes of governance, and with them, opportunities for the U.S. to improve relations.
7. Afghanistan and Pakistan – The incoming administration has a choice: will it maintain the status quo, completely reverse the Obama administration drawdown or withdraw completely? Does the U.S. face a no-win situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan?
8. Trade and Politics – Only after the U.S. can obtain an accurate picture of its economic stature can it develop appropriate policy solutions for the challenges at hand. The metrics used to gauge economic strength—-GPD and balance of trade-—have not kept up with the realities of modern manufacturing.
For further information about Great Decisions please refer to the Foreign Policy Association website www.fpa.org, the Southern Arizona regional Great Decisions website-—TGDA.org and the SaddleBrooke Great Decisions website—https://greatdecisionssb.wordpress.com. If you have any questions or need any further information about Great Decisions, please contact Harry Sloan ([email protected]), chair of the Executive Committee.