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2022 Great Decisions Courses
1. Changing Demographics – January 25, Facilitator Robert Weintraub
The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political and environmental consequences all over the globe. Included is fertility, mortality, migration, aging, urbanization, changes in the distribution of populations around the world and the role of women in society. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to developmental efforts, security, climate and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations.
2. Outer Space – February 1, Facilitator Richard Scribner
The launch of Sputnik I in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and the space race between the United States and Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the U.S. fare in a crowded outer space?
3. Climate Change – February 8, Facilitator Richard Scribner
The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the U.S. play in future negotiations on climate?
4. Russia – February 15, Facilitator Stephen Gessner
Russia and the United States have many areas of conflict and some possible areas of mutual interest. Arms control, Russian interference in U.S. elections and support of cyberattacks, the status of Ukraine and the fate of opposition politicians in Russia all continue to be concerning. How will the current administration in Washington approach these issues?
5. Myanmar and ASEAN – February 22, Facilitator Robert Weintraub
The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to chaos in the Southeast Asian country. ASEAN, in April, met with Myanmar junta leader to work out a five-point consensus to address the situation. However, the absence of an implementation plan and a continuation of the regime’s violence against its people and the displacement of thousands of people in the border states raises questions of what, if anything, can be done.
6. The Quad Alliance – March 1, Facilitator Stephen Gessner
As part of the U.S. pivot to Asia, the United States has been in dialogue with Japan, Australia and India in an effort to contain China. Recently, the Quad countries held joint naval exercises in the South Pacific. How effective will the actions of this alliance be?
7. Industrial Policy – March 8, Facilitator Jeffrey Stonecash
The current discussion of industrial policy in the United States is not simply about whether or not to support specific companies or industries, but about trust or mistrust of the government and its ability to manage the economy and deal with a rising China. The upheaval in supply chains during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the international economy. What policies can the U.S. implement to deal with trade and the economy?
8. Drug Policy in Latin America – March 15, Facilitator Robert Weintraub
The issue of migration to the United States from Latin America has overshadowed the war on drugs, which has been underway for decades with little signs of progress. What are the roots and the bureaucratic logic behind today´s dominant drug policies in Latin America? Is it time to reconsider punitive drug control policies that disrupt supply chains and punish drug possession?
9. Biden’s Agenda – March 22, Co-Facilitators Richard Scribner and Jeffrey Stonecash
The current administration in Washington promised to reverse many of the policies of the past administration, especially in foreign policy. How will issues such as climate, the pandemic and alliances be treated under the Biden administration?
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