Barb Schaepe
SaddleBrooke Great Decisions started its 2025 season in January with presentations and discussions on International Cooperation on Climate Change and U.S. Changing Leadership in the World Economy. All meetings are held on Monday afternoons in the Mountainview East Ballroom, typically starting at 3 p.m. Dates, times, and topics of the remaining 2025 meetings are listed below, but watch for a notice in case of changes due to room availability:
Feb. 24, 3 to 5 p.m. The Future of NATO and European Security. Presenter: Mark Schwartz. European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. What are Europe’s options, and how might developments in Ukraine and America impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas?
March 3, 3 to 5 p.m. AI and American National Security. Discussion leader: Mary Lou Soffa. The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution. What are key policy debates in this area, and what are opportunities and limits on global AI rules? What are policy options to secure AI’s benefits and guard against its dangers?
March 17, 3 to 5 p.m. India: Between China and the Global South. Discussion leader: John Sohikian. India’s population size, economy, and geopolitical location ensures that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over global order. What are its choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How can Washington work with India?
April 7, 3 to 5 p.m. After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East. Discussion leader: Sandy McNabb. The Gaza war has brought the region to a crossroads. What are possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position?
The meeting format consists of viewing a Foreign Policy Association documentary film with context provided by a Great Decisions presenter, discussing issues in small groups, and sharing group insights. Beforehand, members can read a subject overview in the briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association. The FPA produced briefing book can be ordered on the Tucson Great Decisions website tgda.org in the “Materials” section.
Membership in SaddleBrooke Great Decisions is $5 a year, payable at meetings. Further information, including dates and topics, is on the SaddleBrooke Great Decisions website at www.sbgreatdecisions.wordpress.com. The Foreign Policy Association’s website is www.fpa.org.