Great Decisions Interest Group -- UCSC OLLI
    (Meetings in 2025 & 2024-2015)

Great Decisions is an annual program produced by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) focusing on important global affairs topics confronting the US.
 
The FPA's mission is to be a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on US foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process.

The interest group (IG) is affiliated with the UC Santa Cruz Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI). To learn more about the UCSC OLLI organization, you are encouraged to visit their website at UCSC-OLLI Website

The Leaders for the OLLI 2025 Great Decisions Interest Group are Joya Chatterjee   AND Gaby Litsky  
Send them an email to learn more about the location of the meetings and whether any space is available.

This web page contains links to some online reading material and videos on the topics discussed at recent Great Decisions OLLI Interest Group meetings in 2025-2015.

To learn more about the FPA program, use the following link FPA's Great Decisions Program Info (Topics, Materials, FAQ)

To get more information on any topic using the Santa Cruz County Public Library, click on Info Resources Available via the SC Public Library Website (2pg, pdf file)

The webmaster for the group is Gary Oing    Send him an email -- gmo4321@yahoo.com -- to add info to any of the topics.

Website Updated: 11/15/24    (vc)    Webpage address =    https://www.gk.eoing.com/olli/great_decisions

Select from the links below to see specific articles and/or websites for the topics discussed at the most recent meetings.
Please note that some of the links below may no longer be valid (especially for meetings in the more distant past) due to the removal of the information by the original sources of the material.
Dates & Topics for Future Great Decisions IG Meetings
Meeting Date: 11/12/24 -- Planning Meeting -- (First meeting of GD2025 Year)
  1. Online Ordering of 2025 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2025
  3. Upcoming FPA Events
  4. Recent FPA Events (from FPA Archive of Events)
  5. Online GD OLLI Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2025 (our meeting date)
  6. Participant suggested content: "US Elections Info" (Gary's website)
Foreign Policy Association (FPA) -- Events & Activities
  1. Great Decisions 2025 Topics -- (preliminary list as of 07/21/24)
  2. Playlist of Past FPA Events (YouTube videos)
  3. FPA Upcoming Events
  4. FPA Archive of Events
The Great Decisions 2024 topic meetings info appears below!
Meeting Date: 04/22/24 -- End of Year Celebration Event (Last meeting of GD 2024 Year)
  1. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2024
  2. Online GD OLLI Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2024 (our meeting date)
  3. Online Opinion Ballots for Great Decisions 2024 Topics
  4. Printable Great Decisions 2024 National Opinion Ballot (7 pg, PDF file)
  5. Results from Great Decisions 2023 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 04/15/24 -- 2024 Topic #4: US-China Trade Rivalry
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "China" (printable PDF file, 11 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "US-China Rivalry:The Dangers of Compelling Countries to Take Sides", US Institute of Peace (03/30/23)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Sino-American Rivalry in the Middle East", Hoover Institute (Stanford), (printable PDF file, 12 pgs) (2023)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Webinar - World Oregon " (~50 min, YouTube video: 02/2024)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Webinar - Ramsey County Library (MN)" (~90 min, YouTube video: 02/2024)
  8. Participant suggested content: "China-US Trade War" (Wikipedia article)
  9. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 03/11/24)
  10. Participant suggested content: "FPA Content: Great Decisions 2023 - China & US (Topic #3)"
  11. Participant suggested content: "GD 2023 OLLI Mtg Info: China & US" (04/17/23)
  12. Participant suggested content: "FPA Video from 2023" (~30 min, YouTube video: 2023)
Meeting Date: 04/08/24 -- 2024 Topic #1: Mideast Realignment
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator suggested content: "The Middle East" (webinar Army War College) (~75 min, YouTube video: 01/2024)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "The Middle East" (webinar Army War College) (~55 min, YouTube video: 2012!! )
  5. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-World Oregon Portland" (~48 min, YouTube video: 02/2024)
  6. Participant suggested content: "Middle East" (Wikipedia article)
  7. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: Part-1:02/12/24)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: Part-2:02/19/24)
Meeting Date: 04/01/24 -- 2024 Topic #8: Pandemic Preparedness
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Pandemic Preparedness" (printable PDF file, 6 pgs)
  4. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-World Oregon" (~65 min, YouTube video: ~03/01/24)
  5. Participant suggested content: "Pandemic Prevention" (Wikipedia article)
  6. Participant suggested content: "International Treaty on Dealing with Pandemics" (Wikipedia article)
  7. Participant suggested content: "COVID-19 pandemic by country and territory" (cases & deaths & death rates) (Wikipedia article)
Meeting Date: 03/25/24 -- 2024 Topic #7: High Seas Treaty
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "High Seas Treaty" (printable PDF file, 19 pgs)
  4. Participant suggested content: "Webinar- Army War College" (~60 min, YouTube video: 03/2024)
  5. Participant suggested content: "High Seas Treaty" (Wikipedia article)
  6. Participant suggested content: "UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)" (Wikipedia article)
  7. Participant suggested content: "List of US Treaties" (Wikipedia article)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~95 min, YouTube video: 03/25/24)
Meeting Date: 03/18/24 -- 2024 Topic #6: Understanding Indonesia
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Indonesia" (printable PDF file, 11 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "Webinar-Portland State Univ - World Oregon" (~50 min, YouTube video: 02/19/24)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Strengthening Strategic Partnership between China & Indonesia", from China Embassy (NOT SECURE:03/26/15)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Third Belt & Road Forum" (NOT SECURE:10/18/23)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Deepening Strategic Cooperation Between China & Indonesia", from China Embassy (NOT SECURE:10/20/23)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "US Relations With Indonesia", from US Dept of State (04/19/22)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "China's Educational Expansion in Indonesia", from The Diplomat (02/15/19)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "Indonesia & US Open Military Drills Amid South China Sea Tension", from The Diplomat (08/31/23)
  11. Participant suggested content: "Indonesia" (Wikipedia article)
  12. Participant suggested content: "List of Countries by Population (Indonesia is #4)" (Wikipedia article)
  13. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~85 min, YouTube video: 03/18/24)
Meeting Date: 03/11/24 -- 2024 Topic #5: NATO's Future
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "NATO's Future" (printable PDF file, 10 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "NATO Defense Spending in 2023" (May 2023)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "On NATO's Shared Burdens...", article from The Hill (08/04/23)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Vilnius Summit Communique" (07/11/23)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "From Burden Sharing to Responsibility Sharing" (06/07/23)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "US Dept of Defense:NATO Security Investment Program (FY 2023 Budget)" (April 2022)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "2022 Annual Report on NATO Common Funding"
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "NATO 2030", [4 pg, printable PDF file] (June 2021)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "NATO 2030: Towards A New Strategic Concept and Beyond", a book from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "NATO 2030 Research Guides"
  13. Participant suggested content: "NATO" (Wikipedia article)
  14. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 03/04/24)
  15. Participant suggested content: "NATO's Future", US Army War College (~60 min, YouTube video: 01/26/24)
Meeting Date: 03/04/24 -- 2024 Topic #3: Science Across Borders
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Sharing US Technology Across International Borders" (printable PDF file, 6 pgs)
  4. Participant suggested content: "Solar Radiation Modification" (Wikipedia article)
  5. Participant suggested content: "Geoengineering" (Wikipedia article)
  6. Participant suggested content: "How Wireless Energy from Space Could Power Everything", TEDtalk (~11 min, YouTube video: 04/2023)
  7. Participant suggested content: "New Energy Technologies to Address Climate Change" (~85 min, YouTube video: 02/24/24)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Science and AI" [Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library] (~90 min, YouTube video: 02/26/24)
Meeting Date: 02/26/24 -- 2024 Topic #2: Climate Technology & Competition
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Climate Technologies & Competition" (printable PDF file, 9 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "The New Geopolitics of Energy" ~60 min Youtube video (2023)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Atlantic ocean circulation nearing a devastating tipping point" (02/09/24)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: Energy Data Explorer (Data Commons website)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: California Grid Data (Cal ISO website)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Climate", (Wikipedia article)
  9. Participant suggested content: "Climate Change", (Wikipedia article)
  10. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 02/05/24)
The Great Decisions 2024 topic meetings info appears below!
Great Decisions 2024
  1. Online Ordering of 2024 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2024
  3. Search YouTube for "Great Decisions 2024" Content
  4. Upcoming FPA Events
  5. Online Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2024
  6. Great Decisions 2024 Printable National Opinion Ballot (7 pg, PDF file)
  7. Results from Great Decisions 2023 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 11/08/23 -- Planning Meeting -- (First meeting of GD2024 Year)
  1. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2024
  2. Upcoming FPA Events
  3. Recent FPA Events (from FPA Event Archive)
  4. Online Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2024
The Great Decisions 2023 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 04/24/23 -- End of Year Celebration Event (Last meeting of GD2023 Year)
  1. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2023
  2. Intro to Great Decisions 2023 Topics (YouTube video, ~12 minutes)
  3. Online Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2023
  4. Great Decisions 2023 National Opinion Ballot (for you to complete & submit)
  5. Great Decisions 2023 Printable National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
  6. Results from Great Decisions 2022 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 04/17/23 -- 2023 Topic #3: China and the US
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_3) -- shown in 2023 (03/06/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Participant suggested content: "China - US relations" - Wikipedia article
  5. Participant suggested content: "How China Overtook the US as the World's Major Trading Partner" - from visualcapitalist.com (01/22/20)
  6. Participant suggested content: "A NASA Astronaut on China's Space Capability" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website. [from GD2022-Topic#2]
  7. Participant suggested content: "The Shifting Geopolitics of Russia and China in Space" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website. [from GD2022-Topic#2]
  8. Participant suggested content: "America, China, and a Crisis of Trust" - from NY Times (04/14/23) [Lim Acc]
  9. Participant suggested content: "GD 2021:Topic #1-Global Supply Chains and US National Security" (mtg date: 02/22/21)
  10. Participant suggested content: "China: Here, There, & Everywhere" by Ronnie Gruhn (~30 minute, YouTube video) (04/03/23)
  11. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~90 min, YouTube video: 03/06/23)
Meeting Date: 04/10/23 -- 2023 Topic #7: Iran at a Crossroads
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_7) -- shown in 2023 (04/xx/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Iran" (printable PDF file, 11 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "What Are America's Strategic Options on Iran" - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (11/03/22)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "What Comes Next in the Standoff Between the US and Iran" - World Politics Review (01/18/23)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "The Lifeblood of Iranian Democracy" - Boston Review (11/02/22)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Iran's Estimated Annual Terror Funding" - from aipac.org (03/01/20)
  9. Participant suggested content: "Why Sanctions Don't Work But Could If Done Right" - NPR Article (04/11/23)
  10. Participant suggested content: "Iran" - Wikipedia article
  11. Participant suggested content: "Gulf Cooperation Council" (GCC) - Wikipedia article
  12. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~90 min, YouTube video: 02/20/23)
Meeting Date: 04/03/23 -- 2023 Topic #6: Global Famine
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_6) -- shown in 2023 (04/13/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Global Famine" (printable PDF file, 23 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Nuclear War Would Cause a Global Famine" - article from Rutgers Univ (08/15/22)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "War in Ukraine Is Escalating Global Food Crisis" - article from Tufts (05/04/22)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Webinar-World Oregon" (~65 min, YouTube video: February 2023)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Webinar-World Boston" (~55 min, YouTube video) (3/22/23)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "Mass Starvation: The History and Future of Famine" -- book, Amazon link (01/16/18)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "Poverty and Famines: An Esssay on Entitlement and Deprivation" (4 page, PDF file) (1985)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "FEWS: Famine Early Warning System" website
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "FEWS: Price Watch-January 2023 Prices" (26 page, PDF file)
  13. Facilitator suggested content: "FEWS: Global Weather Hazards Summary - February 2023" (26 page, PDF file)
  14. Facilitator suggested content: "FEWS: Guidance Document Scenario Development (2018)" (50 page, PDF file)
  15. Facilitator suggested content: "Amartya Sen on Poverty and Famines" - April 2022 (4 page, PDF file)
  16. Facilitator suggested content: "Gender, Famine, and the Female Mortality Advantage" - article from Tufts (25 page, PDF file) (12/2021)
  17. Facilitator suggested content: "Does Gender Shape the War System and Vice Versa" (11/16/14)
  18. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 03/27/23)
  19. Participant suggested content: US Agency for International Development (USAID) - Wikipedia article
Meeting Date: 03/27/23 -- 2023 Topic #5: Politics in Latin America
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_5) -- shown in 2023 (xx/xx/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "Echoes of Latin American Racism Reverberate in the US" (NY Times, 10/14/22, PDF file, 1pg)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Definitions" (PDF file, 1pg)
  6. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 02/27/23)
Meeting Date: 03/20/23 -- 2023 Topic #4: Economic Warfare
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_2) -- shown in March 2023 (03/22/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Economic Warfare" (printable PDF file, 25 pgs)
  5. Participant suggested content: "Economic Warfare" (Wikipedia article)
  6. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 03/13/23)
Meeting Date: 03/13/23 -- 2023 Topic #8: Climate Migration
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~20 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_8) -- shown in 2023 (05/15/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Climate Migration" (printable PDF file, 14 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Nomad Century: How Climate Migration Will Reshape Our World", book by Gaia Vance - Amazon link (published 08/23/22)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Climate Change: The Facts", book by multiple authors - Amazon link (published 04/21/15)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "The Skeptical Environmentalist", book by Bjorn Lomborg - Amazon link (published 09/10/01)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Global Report on Internal Displacement, 2022" - from Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) in Geneva
  9. Participant suggested content: "US Immigration by Country" (website from World Population Review)
  10. Participant suggested content: "How Many Immigrants in US" (website from Immigrant Learning Center)
  11. Participant suggested content: "Tracking the Erratic Path of US Climate Migrants" - Bloomberg article (03/07/23)
  12. Participant suggested content: "Climate Migrant" (Wikipedia article)
  13. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~110 min, YouTube video: 02/13/23)
Meeting Date: 03/06/23 -- 2023 Topic #2: War Crimes
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~29 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_2) -- shown in February 2023 (02/22/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "International Criminal Court" (~7 minute, YouTube video)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Q&A: The International Criminal Court and the US" (Human Rights Watch Org website info, 09/02/20)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "John Bolton hates the International Criminal Court..." (*Washington Post article, 09/10/18)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "The US and International Criminal Justice: A complex and challenging relationship" (Parliamentarians for Global Action website info)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Ukraine war: Russia has committed crimes against humanity, US says" (BBC article, 02/19/23)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "George W. Bush Accidentally Admits He Waged a "Brutal" and "Unjustified" War in Iraq" (*Vanity Fair article, 05/19/22)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "US Does Not Recognize the International Criminal Court" (NPR article, 04/16/22)
  11. Participant suggested content: "International Criminal Court" (Wikipedia article)
  12. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~100 min, YouTube video: 03/20/23)
Meeting Date: 02/27/23 -- 2023 Topic #1: Energy Geopolitics
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Official Video (~26 min) on THIS TOPIC (2023_1) -- shown in February 2023 (02/08/23) at Petoskey District Library (Petoskey, MI)
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Energy Geopolitics" (printable PDF file, 17 pgs)
  5. Participant suggested content: "Topic Discussion Questions"
  6. Participant suggested content: "Webinar-Manitowoc (WI) Library" (~110 min, YouTube video: 02/06/23)
Great Decisions 2023
  1. Online Ordering of 2023 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Search YouTube for "Great Decisions 2023" Content
  3. Intro to Great Decisions 2023 Topics (YouTube video, ~12 minutes)
  4. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2023
  5. Great Decisions 2023 Global Discussion Questions (1 pg, PDF file)
  6. Great Decisions 2023 Printable National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
  7. Results from Great Decisions 2022 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 10/31/22 -- 2023 Planning Meeting (FIRST meeting for GD2023 Year)
  1. Online Ordering of 2023 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Great Decisions 2023 Topics Overview (fpa.org website)
  3. Online Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2023
The Great Decisions 2022 topic meetings info appears below!
Meeting Date: 05/02/22 -- Lunch at Joya's & Bijoy's Residence (Last meeting of GD2022 Year)
  1. Great Decisions 2022 Printable National Opinion Ballot (12 pg, PDF file)
  2. Results from Great Decisions 2021 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
  3. Online Meeting Overview Information for the Topics for 2022
Meeting Date: 04/25/22 -- 2022 Topic #3: Climate Change
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Resilience and Adaptation" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "Pandemic Impacts & a Historic Perspective on Global Emissions" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Competition, Cooperation, and China's Green Technology" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Climate Change" (printable PDF file, 18 pgs)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "IPCC Sixth Assessment Report" (website)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Climate Change costs to US Budget" -- Reuters article 04/04/22
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "PBS News Hour: Climate Change" (04/04/22)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "World Resources Institute article: Tracking Climate Action Under the Biden Administration" (01/12/22)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "Vox Article: Most Democrats and Republicans think the government should make climate change a priority" (01/15/21)
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "Bank of the West article: Who Funds the Fight Against Climate Change:" (10/25/21)
  13. Facilitator suggested content: "ClimateAdam playlist" -- YouTube videos
  14. Facilitator suggested content: "Website with up-to-date statistics" (01/17/22)
  15. Facilitator suggested content: "UN Secretary General Video Message" (~5 min, YouTube video: 04/04/22)
  16. Participant suggested content: "US Army War College Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (01/31/22)
Meeting Date: 04/18/22 -- 2022 Topic #7: Drug Policy in Latin America
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "The History and Violence of Cartels" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "Addiction as a Medical Issue" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Evolution of US Foreign Drug Policy" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Drug Policy" (printable PDF file, 9 pgs)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "DEA:Drug Enforcement Administration" - Wikipedia article
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "CBP: Customs & Border Protection" - Wikipedia article
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "ICE: Immigration & Customs Protection" - Wikipedia article
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "Illegal Drug Trade in Latin America" - Wikipedia article
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "War on Drugs" - Wikipedia article
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "Opioid epidemic in the US" - Wikipedia article
  13. Facilitator suggested content: "Fentanyl" - Wikipedia article
  14. Facilitator suggested content: "Drugs in the US" - Wikipedia article
  15. Facilitator suggested content: "Drug Cartel" - Wikipedia article
  16. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60 min, Youtube video) (01/31/22)
Meeting Date: 04/11/22 -- 2022 Topic #4: Russia and the US
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Undermining Ukraine's Government Online" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "A NATO Perspective on Disinformation" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Misinformation and the CIA" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Which countries rely on Russian trade" (03/29/22)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "The State of the Russian Economy" (07/13/21)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Russia Forecast" (03/31/22)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "Russia Exports, Imports, & Trade Partners" (2020)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "Assessing the Shadow Economy in Russia" (07/01/21)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "Russian Trade Surplus Surges Amid Rising Tensions" (02/18/22)
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "Nicholas Mulder declares a watershed moment in global economic history" (03/11/22)
  13. Facilitator suggested content: "Putin Has Coup-Proofed His Regime" (03/23/22)
  14. Facilitator suggested content: "What If Russia Wins" (02/18/22)
  15. Facilitator suggested content: "How Russia's Future with NATO Will Impact the Arctic" (02/25/22)
  16. Facilitator suggested content: "Legally, Russia can't just take its Space Station and go home" (03/24/22)
  17. Facilitator suggested content: "The State of the Russian Economy" (07/13/21)
  18. Facilitator suggested content: "Calling Russia's Attack 'Unprovoked' Lets US Off the Hook" (03/04/22)
  19. Facilitator suggested content: "From Shock Therapy to Putin's War" (printable PDF file, 3 pgs) (03/01/22)
  20. Facilitator suggested content: "Experts say the US made one big mistake in dealing with Putin" (03/05/22)
  21. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (02/14/22)
Meeting Date: 04/04/22 -- 2022 Topic #6: The Quad Alliance
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Central to the Biden Administration's Indo-Pacific Strategy" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "Is China's Behavior Pushing the Quad Together" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Will More Countries Join" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Quad Alliance" (printable PDF file, 17 pgs)
  7. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (03/04/22)
Meeting Date: 03/28/22 -- 2022 Topic #5: Myanmar and ASEAN
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Myanmar's UN Ambassador on Peaceful Protest and Military Violence After the Coup" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "Limited Leverage and ASEAN's Potential Role" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "What Led to the 2021 Coup?" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Myanmar & ASEAN" (printable PDF file, 19 pgs)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Identity Crisis: Ethnicity and Conflict in Myanmar" (08/28/20)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "ASEAN envoy seeking favourable conditions for Myanmar peace process" (03/18/22)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "Global Perspective: Japan offers of security, economic aid must weigh ASEAN differences" (03/19/22)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "China warns ASEAN countries not to be pawns in major power confrontation" (03/15/22)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: "Exclusive: Myanmar scales back Chinese-backed port project due to debt fears" (08/02/18)
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "List of ethnic groups in Myanmar" (Wikipedia article)
  13. Facilitator suggested content: "U.S. Relations With Burma" [US Department of State article] (06/03/21)
  14. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (02/04/22)
Meeting Date: 03/21/22 -- 2022 Topic #8: Industrial Policy
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Industrial Policy" (printable PDF file, 16 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "Globalization and the Future of the World" (~49 minute, YouTube video) (08/23/2012)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "The Role of Industrial Policy: A Discussion Through Its Application In China" (~60 minute, YouTube video) (01/19/22)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "China Exim Bank's Controversial Loan to Expand Uganda's Entebbe Airport" (~60 minute, podcast) (03/03/22)
  7. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (02/22/22)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Washington's Crackpot Realism" - (printable PDF file, 10 pg) (03/24/22)
Meeting Date: 03/14/22 -- 2022 Topic #9: Biden's Foreign Policy Agenda
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Is Biden's Trade Policy 'Trump without the snarl' " (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "Shifting Priorities" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Interdependence with China" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
Meeting Date: 03/07/22 -- 2022 Topic #2: Outer Space
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "A NASA Astronaut on China's Space Capability" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "India: A Rising Space Power" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "The Shifting Geopolitics of Russia and China in Space" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Outer Space" (printable PDF file, 27 pgs)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "How Big is the Universe?" (short YouTube video) (01/15/16)
  8. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (01/18/22)
Meeting Date: 02/28/22 -- 2022 Topic #1: Changing Demographics
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. "Global Population Projections, Fertility and Aging" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. "What Will Global Population Distribution Look Like in 2100" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  5. "Can a Country Change Its Fertility Rate" (short YouTube video) "an expert chat" for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Facilitator presentation: "Changing Demographics" (printable PDF file, 10 pgs)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Topics for Changing Demographics" (printable PDF file, 2 pgs)
  8. Participant suggested content: "World Oregon Webinar" (~60min, Youtube video) (01/24/22)
Great Decisions 2022
  1. Online Ordering of 2022 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Great Decisions 2022 Topics: YouTube Channel (multiple short video chats with experts)
  3. Online FPA Overview Information for the Topics for 2022
  4. Great Decisions 2022 Global Discussion Questions (1 pg, PDF file)
  5. Great Decisions 2022 Printable National Opinion Ballot (12 pg, PDF file)
  6. Results from Great Decisions 2021 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
The Great Decisions 2021 topics/info appear below!
End of Great Decisions 2021 Meetings: SEND IN YOUR BALLOT !!
  1. Starting Page for Submitting Online Responses to FPA 2021 Great Decisions National Opinion Ballot Questions
  2. Printable FPA 2021 Great Decisions National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 04/19/21 (via Zoom) -- Immigration in the Americas, Asia, & Europe
  1. Facilitator presentation: "Immigration" (printable PDF file, 17 pgs)
  2. Facilitator suggested content: "Northern Triangle: The Origins of America's Migrant Crisis" -- ~27 minute, YouTube video (03/20/20)
  3. Facilitator suggested content: "Central America's Turbulent Northern Triangle" -- article by Council on Foreign Relations (10/01/19)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "US Strategy for Engagement in Central America: An Overview" -- article by Congressional Research Service (02/16/21)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Border Breakdown: The US Immigration Crisis Continues to Confound" -- article by Carenegie Corporation (11/06/19)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Key Findings about US Immigrants" -- article by Pew Research (08/20/20)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "International Migration: Key Findings from the US, Europe, and the World" -- article by Pew Research (12/15/16)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Global Migration Is Not Abating. Neither Is the Backlash Against It." -- article by World Politics Review (01/27/21)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "Global Refugee & Migration Crisis" -- Oxfam America website
  10. Facilitator suggested content: "World Migration Report 2020" -- from the United Nations (~500 pg report, PDF file)
  11. Participant suggested content: "Foreign-Born Population in the US (1850 to 2019)" -- ~4 minute YouTube video
  12. Participant suggested content: "Richest & Poorest Countries in the World (1985-2025)" -- ~8 minute YouTube video
Meeting Date: 04/12/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #5: China and Africa
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_5) -- given on 1/22/21 at World Oregon in Portland
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_5) -- given on 1/07/21 in Tyler, Texas
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~110 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_5) -- given on 03/01/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 04/05/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #8: The End of Globalization?
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator suggested content: Anne Osborn Kreuger, bio/background of writer of FPA topic material (Wikipedia article)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: Discussion Questions from FPA article (printable PDF file, 2 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Globalization" (Wikipedia article)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "World Trade Organization (WTO)" (website)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "International Monetary Fund (IMF)" (website)
  8. Facilitator presentation: "Globalization" (printable PDF file, 3 pgs)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "Welcome to Tomorrow" -- 38 predictions for the future (04/01/21)
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_8) -- given on 2/08/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
  11. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_8) -- given on 2/25/21 at Tyler Public Library (Tyler, Texas)
Meeting Date: 03/29/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #7: The World Health Organization's Response to COVID-19
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "WHO's Response to COVID-19" (printable PDF file, 13 pgs)
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_7) -- given on 1/25/21 at Wyomissing Public Library in Pennsylvania
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_7) -- given on 2/22/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 03/22/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #6: The Two Koreas
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Two Koreas" (printable PDF file, 9 pgs)
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_6) -- given on 02/24/21 at St. Norbert College
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~80 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_6) -- given on 03/15/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 03/15/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #4: The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic" (printable PDF file, 33 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress", article from US Congressional Research Service (02/01/21)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Implication of US Policy Stagnation toward the Arctic Region" (article from CSIS, 05/03/19)
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~75 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_4) -- given on 03/08/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 03/08/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #3: Brexit: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation: "Brexit" (printable PDF file, 25 pgs)
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "Vaccine Issues Created by Brexit" (printable PDF file, 1 pg)
  5. Participant suggested content: Brexit (Wikipedia article)
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~70 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_3) -- given on 2/01/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 03/01/21 (via Zoom) -- 2021 Topic #2: Future of Persian Gulf Security
  1. PBS: FPA GD 2021 Topic 2 (Future of Persian Gulf Security) DVD/VOD - ~25 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "The Future of Persian Gulf Security" (printable PDF file, 19 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "The Persian Gulf: Understanding the American Oil Strategy" (Brookings article, 03/01/02)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "US Energy Information Administration Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_2) -- given on 2/15/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Meeting Date: 02/22/21 (via Zoom @10am) -- 2021 Topic #1: Global Supply Chains and US National Security
  1. PBS: GD 2021 Topic 1 (Global Supply Chain) DVD/VOD - ~25 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator suggested content: "In US-China Trade War, New Supply Chains Rattle Markets" (Carnegie Endowment for Peace article: 06/24/20)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "American Industrial Policy and the Rise of china" (Marco Rubio speech: 12/10/19)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Global Supply Chains in a Post-Pandemic World" (Harvard Business Review article, Sept-Oct 2020 issue)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Why US Companies Are Moving Their Supply Chains From China to Mexico" (Sam Blackman, Supply Chain Brain article: 03/26/20)
  8. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~80 min) on THIS TOPIC (2021_1) -- given on 03/22/21 at Manitowoc Public Library (Manitowoc, Wisconsin)
Great Decisions 2021
  1. Online Ordering of 2021 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Eight Topics for 2021
  3. Great Decisions 2021 Printable National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
  4. Results from Great Decisions 2020 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
The Great Decisions 2020 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 05/18/20 (via Zoom) -- Re-Visit 2017 Topic #1: The Future of Europe: Coping With Crisis
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Video/DVD (~30 min) for THIS TOPIC
  4. Facilitator presentation: "The Future of Europe" (printable PDF file, 5 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "The EU's New Coronavirus Relief Deal Is a Gift to Europe's Enemies" (The Guardian article: 04/11/20)
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 05/04/20 (via Zoom) -- Re-Visit 2015 Topic #2: Privacy in the Digital Age
  1. Official background video (~26 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Privacy" (21 pgs PDF file, from Google Drive)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Privacy Project" (NY Times article:2019)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Would You Sacrifice Your Privacy to Get Out of Quarantine" (The Atlantic article: 04/22/2020)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "Privacy Experts Joint Statement on Contact Tracing" (9 pgs PDF file, Google Drive: 04/19/20)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Leveraging AI to Battle This Pandemic And the Next One " (Harvard Business Review article: 04/20/2020)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports" (Google data by country/state and type of activity)
  10. Gary's Tips to Protect YOUR Privacy in the Digital Age
  11. YouTube Video (~6 min): Tracking a Nation - Privacy Laws in a Digital Era (posted Jan 2012)
  12. SF Chronicle Editorial Opinion (3/11/15): Twitter -- a tool for shaming others
  13. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on Privacy in the Digital Age -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
Meeting Date: 04/20/20 (via Zoom) -- Re-Visit 2018 Topic #8: Global Health -- Progress and Challenges
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Global Health: Innovative collaboration is key to tackling diseases" (printable PDF file, 10 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: Pandemic influenza preparedness Framework (68pg, PDF file from WHO in 2011)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: The Guardian News article - "Global Health Challenges: how innovative collaboration is key to tackling diseases (01/30/20)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: Think Global Health article: "COVID-19 Is Smoke and Mirrors -- What Matters Is International Law" (04/15/20)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) article: "About the Global Health Program"
  9. Facilitator suggested content: Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) article: "Why Does the WHO Exclude Taiwan" (04/09/20)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: World Health Organization (WHO) Bulletin: "Global Health Risks: Progress and Challenges" (10/2009)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: Millenium Project Info & Website: Global Futures Studies and Research
  12. Facilitator suggested content: Bill Gates TED talk on the next outbreak and our readiness (~9 mins, March 2015)
  13. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~70 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Western Michigan in early 2018
  14. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Meeting Date: 04/06/20 (via Zoom) -- 2020 Topic #8: Artificial Intelligence and Data
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "AI: Human vs Computer Performance" printable PDF file (2 pgs)
  5. Participant suggested content: Website showing "US Social Distancing Scoreboard" with COVID-19 using mobile/smart device tracking data
  6. Participant suggested content: "AI and Economic Productivity: Expect Evolution, Not Revolution" (IEEE Spectrum: 12/05/19)
  7. Participant suggested content: "The Big Debate About the Future of Work, Explained" (Vox YouTube video, ~9 mins, from 2 yrs ago)
  8. Participant suggested content: "Artificial Intelligence" (1pg, PDF)
  9. Participant suggested content: "Artificial Intelligence" (Wikipedia article)
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2020
Meeting Date: 03/30/20 (via Zoom) -- 2020 Topic #7: The Philippines and the U.S.
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "The Phillipines" printable PDF file (3 pgs)
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2020
Meeting Date: 03/02/20 -- 2020 Topic #6: China in Latin America
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "China in Latin American" printable PDF file (12 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Pew Research Global Attitudes Survey" (12/05/19)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Congressional Research: China's Engagement with Latin America" (04/11/19)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: "US Global Research Coalition: China's Growing Influence" (12/2019)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: "Atlantic Council: Latin America-China Trade" (05/2018)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: "World Trade Visualizations" (Observatory of Economic Complexity website)
  10. Participant suggested content: "China's Transport Infrastructure Investment in Latin America and Caribbean Region" (11/13/2018)
  11. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2020
Meeting Date: 02/24/20 -- 2020 Topic #5: US Relations with the Northern Triangle
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Child Migrants at the Border" printable PDF file (2 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "Central America's Turbulent Northern Triangle" (Council on Foreign Relations: 10/01/19)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Understanding the Central American Refugee Crisis: Why They Are Fleeing and How U.S. Policies Are Failing to Deter Them" (American Immigration Council: Feb 2016)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: Background/History of Guatemala (Wikipedia)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: Background/History of Honduras (Wikipedia)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: Background/History of El Salvador (Wikipedia)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: History/Status of "Immigration to the US" (Wikipedia)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: History/Status of "Asylum in the US" (Wikipedia)
  12. Facilitator suggested content: "International Migration Database (numbers by year thru 2017/2018)" (OECD Stats)
Meeting Date: 02/17/20 -- Lunch Gathering -- NO NEW TOPIC
  1. NO REGULAR MEETING DUE TO HOLIDAY -- PRESIDENT'S DAY !!
  2. Contact Joya Chatterjee to get more information about the "Lunch Gathering"
  3. Printable FPA 2020 Great Decisions National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
Meeting Date: 02/10/20 -- 2020 Topic #4: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: "Slavery & Forced Labor" printable PDF file (6 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: "3 Leaders of Filipino Church Are Charged With Running Human Trafficking Ring" (NY Times:01/29/20)
  6. Participant suggested content: "Fleeing Home: Refugees and Human Trafficking" (Council on Foreign Relations: 12/31/19)
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~70 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2020
Meeting Date: 02/03/20 -- 2020 Topic #3: Red Sea Security
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Participant suggested content: "Red Sea Geopolitics: Six Plotlines to Watch" (12/15/19)
  5. Participant suggested content: "Trump registered eight companies in Saudi Arabia during campaign" (The Hill, 11/21/16)
  6. Participant suggested content: "A scramble to assess the dangers of President-elect Donald Trump's global business empire" (WAPO, 11/20/16)
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2020
Meeting Date: 01/27/20 -- 2020 Topic #2: India and Pakistan
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: printable PDF file (3 pgs)
  5. Participant suggested content: "The Terrifying Implications of India's Elections for People and the Planet" (05/24/19)
  6. Participant suggested content: "Kashmiri Pandits to Take Up Genocide of Community at UN, World Forums" (05/14/19)
  7. Participant suggested content: "India Tempts Fate in Kashmir, 'The Most Dangerous Place in the World' " (NY Times, 08/05/19)
  8. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2020
Meeting Date: 01/13/20 -- 2020 Topic #1: Climate Change and the Global Order
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Facilitator presentation: printable PDF file (13 pgs)
  5. Facilitator suggested content: New York Intelligencer article "The Glimmer of a Climate New World Order" (08/26/19)
  6. Facilitator suggested content: "Climate change a threat to world order, Munich Security Conference hears" (02/17/19)
  7. Facilitator suggested content: The New Republic article "The Blood-Dimmed Tide" (09/16/19)
  8. Facilitator suggested content: Washington Post article "UN Climate Change Talks End with Hard Feelings, Few Results, and New Doubts About Global Unity" (12/15/19)
  9. Facilitator suggested content: Article: "Fed officials are increasingly warning that climate change could damage the economy" (01/06/20)
  10. Facilitator suggested content: NY Times article "To Fight Climate Change, One City May Ban Heating Homes with natural Gas" (01/05/20)
  11. Facilitator suggested content: Report: "VA's Roadmap to Lower Bills & Less Climate Change" (01/07/20)
  12. Facilitator suggested content: Article: "Russia Unveils Plan to Use the Advantages of Climate Change"
  13. Facilitator suggsted content: Article: "Europe's Green Deal on Climate Change Failed It's First Test" (12/12/19)
  14. Facilitator suggested content: Washington Post article "Climate Change is Playing Havoc with Mexico's Monarch Butterfly Migration" (01/05/20)
  15. Facilitator suggested content: Remezcla article:"In Central Mexico, Climate Change Poses a Threat to the Treasured Monarch Butterflies."
  16. Facilitator suggested content: NY Times article "Opinion: The World Solved the Ozone Problem. It can Solve Climate Change" (12/07/19)
  17. Participant suggested content: "Rising Global Temperatures and CO2" (11/20/18)
  18. Participant suggested content: "Historical Carbon Dioxide emissions From Global Fossil Fuel Combustion and Industrial Processes From 1758 to 2018 (in million metric tons)" (12/04/19)
  19. Participant suggested content: NASA Global Climate Change Data: "The Relentless Rise of Carbon Dioxide"
  20. Facilitator suggested content: "Project Drawdown" -- the world's leading resource for climate solutions includes videos, books, articles"
  21. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~50 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2020
  22. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2020
Great Decisions 2020
  1. Online Ordering of 2020 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Eight Topics for 2020
  3. Great Decisions 2020 Printable National Opinion Ballot (11 pg, PDF file)
  4. Results from Great Decisions 2019 National Opinion Ballot (16 pg, PDF file)
The Great Decisions 2019 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 04/29/19 -- 2019 Topic #8: State of the State Department and Diplomacy
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~65 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2019
Meeting Date: 04/22/19 -- 2019 Topic #7: The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2019
Meeting Date: 04/15/19 -- 2019 Topic #6: Cyber Conflict and Geopolitics
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation slides (10pg, PDF)
  4. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: "Cyber and Elections" article (2pg, PDF)
  5. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: "Space Force"" article (2pg, PDF)
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~54 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~65 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
Meeting Date: 04/08/19 -- 2019 Topic #4: The Rise of Populism in Europe
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation slides (26pg)
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 1 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 2 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~80 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2019
Meeting Date: 04/01/19 -- 2019 Topic #5: Decoding US - China Trade
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator suggested content: World Affairs Podcast(60min, 3/18/19): Globalization in Transition - High Skilled Labor (mp3 audio file!)
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at Foreign Policy Association (published March 28, 2019
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~65 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 1 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~45 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 2 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~70 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2019
Meeting Date: 03/25/19 -- 2019 Topic #3: Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future?
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator presentation slides (26pg)
  4. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: "Exporting the Bomb" by Matthew Kroenig (55pg, PDF)
  5. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: SIPRI (STockholm International Peace Research Institue) Arms Transfers Database
  6. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: SIPRI: Nuclear disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation
  7. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: New Yorker(Feb 26, 2019): How Civilian Firms Fact-Check North Korea's Denuclearization Efforts
  8. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: New Yorker (Feb 28, 2019): After All the Swagger, Trumps's Talks with North Korea Collapse
  9. Facilitator suggested reading/viewing: Visual Capitalist: The World's 15,000 Nuclear Weapons: Who Has What?
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
  11. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 1 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  12. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 2 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
Meeting Date: 03/18/19 -- 2019 Topic #2: The Middle East: Regional Disorder
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Participant Suggested Article: Tribal Culture and the Islamic Awakening (4pg, PDF)
  4. Participant Suggested Article (by Rami Khouri): Why we should worry about the Arab region
  5. Participant Suggested Article (by Rami Khouri): Why do Arabs keep marching in the street
  6. Participant Suggested Article (by Rami Khouri): Exploring the 4 Ds that shape our future or our collapse
  7. Participant Suggested Article (by Rami Khouri): A tripartite Middle East destruction machine starts to fade
  8. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2019
  9. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 1 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~25 min) on THIS TOPIC Part 2 -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2019
  11. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2019
Meeting Date: 03/11/19 -- 2019 Topic #1: Refugees and Global Migration
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. UN Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM) (December 2018): Wikipedia article
  4. UN Global Compact on Refugees and Migration (December 2018; Video, ~2 min): from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR)
  5. Global News article (August 2018; Video, ~5 min): Migrant crisis: the monetary costs of taking in refugees (suggest you skip initial ad!)
  6. The Economist article (April 2018; Video, ~5 min): How to solve the refugee crisis (suggest you skip initial ad!)
Great Decisions 2019
  1. Online Ordering of 2019 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Eight Topics for 2019
  3. Great Decisions 2019 National Opinion Ballot (Survey Monkey format: 10 questions)
  4. Results from Great Decisions 2018 National Opinion Ballot (16pg, PDF file)
The Great Decisions 2018 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 04/30/18 -- 2018 Topic #8: Global Health -- Progress and Challenges
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~30 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Meeting Date: 04/23/18 -- 2018 Topic #7: South Africa's Fragile Democracy
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~45 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
  7. Facilitator presentation slides (17pg)
  8. Facilitator suggested reading: South Africa's Democracy is Put to the Test
  9. Facilitator suggested reading: South Africa?s Zuma Leaves Behind a Broken Democracy Opinion NYTimes
  10. Facilitator suggested reading: South Africa's Healthy Democracy
  11. Facilitator suggested reading: FOREIGN POLICY PERSPECTIVE IN A DEMOCRATIC SOUTH AFRICA
  12. Facilitator suggested reading: BRICS Power
  13. Facilitator suggested reading: BRICS impact on South Africa
  14. Facilitator suggested reading: Obama policy
  15. Facilitator suggested reading: Trump remarks
  16. Facilitator suggested reading: South African elections in 2019
Meeting Date: 04/16/18 -- 2018 Topic #6: US Global Engagement and the Military
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~25 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Meeting Date: 04/09/18 -- 2018 Topic #5: Turkey -- A Partner in Crisis
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~65 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Meeting Date: 04/02/18 -- 2018 Topic #2: Russia's Foreign Policy
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator suggested video (~40 min): The Power of Putin -- The Most Powerful Man in the World. CNN/BBC documentary about Putin with Fareed Zakaria as host. (2018)
  4. Facilitator suggested video (~5 min): Syria: Seven Years of War Explained. BBC News. Mar 9, 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~40 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
Meeting Date: 03/26/18 -- 2018 Topic #3: China and America -- The New Geopolitical Equation
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Facilitator Provided Additional Info
    1. Facilitator slides (13pg, PDF)
    2. Facilitator suggested video (~65 min): Will China's Economy Collapse (Ann Lee)
    3. Facilitator suggested video (~65 min): China's Naval Expansion: The Pacific and Beyond (Great Decisions 2017)
    4. Facilitator suggested video (~15 min): Is China's economy in good shape -- not really
    5. Facilitator suggested video (~10 min): Is China the biggest geopolitical threat to the US?
    6. Facilitator suggested video (~60 min): Will the Chinese Way Win the Future
    7. Facilitator suggested website/videos: China Institute: Executive Summit 2018: US-China Business in the New World Order at the Harvard Club in NYC
    8. Facilitator suggested reading: US-Chinese Power Shift and the End of Pax Americana (24pg, PDF)
    9. Facilitator suggested reading: "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu
    10. Facilitator suggested reading: China's Aid to Africa: Monster or Messiah
    11. Facilitator suggested reading: Congo orders Chinese company to stop exporting raw materials
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~35 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~105 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Meeting Date: 03/19/18 -- 2018 Topic #4: Media and Foreign Policy
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Handout used by the facilitator on this topic (9pg, PDF).
  4. Facilitator suggested viewing: CNBC video-- March 7, 2018 (~3min)
  5. Participant contribution: NY Times Article (March 7, 2018).
  6. Participant contribution: NY Times Article: "RT, Sputnik & Russia's New Theory of War" (Sept 13, 2017).
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  8. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~45 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  9. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~75 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at Upper Mohawk Valley Model United Nations (New York) in early 2018
Meeting Date: 03/12/18 -- 2018 Topic #1: The Waning of Pax Americana?
  1. FPA Online Streaming Video (from the official/for-purchase DVD) on this topic (~27 mins)
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. FPA Video/DVD (~27 min) for THIS TOPIC
  5. Slides used by the facilitators on this topic (20pg, PDF).
  6. Notes for the slides used by the facilitators on this topic (3pg, PDF).
  7. Article by Christopher Layne, "The US-Chinese power shift and the end of the Pax Americana" (24pg, PDF)
  8. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) Part 1 on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  9. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~30 min) Part 2 (Q & A) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Affairs Council of Greater Hampton Roads (Virginia) in early 2018
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~70 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at World Oregon (Portland) in early 2018
  11. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at Manitowoc Public Library (Wisconsin) in early 2018
  12. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~90 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2018
Great Decisions 2018
  1. Online Ordering of 2018 Materials from FPA -- Briefing Book, DVD, etal
  2. Online FPA Overview Information for the Eight Topics for 2018
  3. FPA 2018 DVD Trailer Video (~2 mins)
  4. Great Decisions 2018 National Opinion Ballot (13pg, PDF file)
  5. Results from Great Decisions 2017 National Opinion Ballot (6,000+ responses, 16pg, PDF file)
The Great Decisions 2017 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 05/01/17 -- 2017 Topic #8: Nuclear Security: The Enduring Challenge of Nuclear Weapons
  1. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 04/24/17 -- 2017 Topic #7: Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan
  1. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
  5. Suggested reading: "Afghanistan: Post-Taliban Governance, Security, and US Policy" (76pg report, dated 3/28/2017)
Meeting Date: 04/17/17 -- 2017 Topic #6: Latin America's Political Pendulum
  1. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~60 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 04/10/17 -- 2017 Topic #5: US Foreign Policy and Petroleum
  1. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
  5. Printable copy of slides (15pg) from Dr. Bryan Stinchfield talk given at US Army War College in early 2017
  6. Suggested reading: The Myth of Petroleum Independence and Foreign Policy Isolation (14pg, pdf; Spring 2014)
Meeting Date: 04/03/17 -- 2017 Topic #4: Saudi Arabia in Transition
  1. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 03/27/17 -- 2017 Topic #3: Conflict in the South China Sea
  1. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, NOT AVAILABLE) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 03/20/17 -- 2017 Topic #2: Trade, Jobs, and Politics
  1. Presenter Material on this topic (13pg)
  2. Presenter Suggested Website: NAFTA Explained
  3. FPA Video broadcast by PBS/KQED on this topic -- 30 mins
  4. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  5. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  6. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 03/13/17 -- 2017 Topic #1: The Future of Europe: Coping With Crisis
  1. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. FPA Video/DVD (~30 min) for THIS TOPIC
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in early 2017
Meeting Date: 03/06/17 -- 2017 Organizational Meeting
  1. Great Decisions 2017 Documentary Season Trailer video (~3 min)
  2. Listing and Brief Description of the Topics for 2017
  3. Online Bookstore to Order Great Decisions 2017 Briefing Books & More
The Great Decisions 2016 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 05/02/16 -- 2016 Topic #8: Cuba
  1. Official background/introductory video (~3 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
Meeting Date: 04/25/16 -- 2016 Topic #7: Climate Change
  1. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2016
  4. Youtube Video (~3 min): New York City's greenhouse gas emissions
  5. CNN Report (April 20): Stop Ruining the Future
  6. Pope Francis Encyclical Letter (2015): On Care For Our Common Home
Meeting Date: 04/18/16 -- 2016 Topic #6: United Nations
  1. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~95 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2016
Meeting Date: 04/11/16 -- 2016 Topic #5: Korean Choices
  1. Official background/introductory video (~3 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Official background video (~12 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  5. You are encouraged to watch "The Propaganda Game" via netflix.com. It is a recent award-winning documentary about North Korea. Sign in to netflix or join free for one month via this link.
  6. East-West Center Report (Jan 2014, 8pg): Creating Korea's Future Economy
  7. McKinsey & Company Report (Apr 2013, 20+ pg): Beyond Korean Style: Shaping a New Growth Formula
Meeting Date: 04/04/16 -- 2016 Topic #4: International Migration
  1. Official background video (~26 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~69 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2016
Meeting Date: 03/28/16 -- 2016 Topic #3: The Future of Kurdistan
  1. Official background/introductory video (~4 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  4. Jim info: Summary of Info from Blogs on Kurdistan
  5. Reading Eagle Article: Kurds Plan to Declare a Federal Region in Northern Syria
  6. ABC News Article: American IS Fighter: I Made a Bad Decision
  7. US News & World Report Article: A Kurdish militant group has claimed responsibility for a suicide car-bomb attack in the Turkish capital that killed 37 people.
  8. Dayton Daily News Article: 3 foreigners among 5 killed in Istanbul suicide bomb attack
  9. Audie info: Scanned image showing a map (from Feb 2016 issue of AGBU)
  10. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min!) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College on January 29, 2016.
  11. Wikipedia article: Kurdistan
Meeting Date: 03/21/16 -- 2016 Topic #2: The Rise of ISIS
  1. Official background video (~30 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  4. BBC: Islamic State Group -- the full story by Jim Muir (3/11/2016)
  5. NY Times: Recent Attacks Demonstrate Islamic State's Ability to Both Inspire and Coordinate Terror
  6. Brookings Institute Project: Rethinking Political Islam
  7. BBC: Battle for Iraq & Syria in Maps (2/29/2016)
  8. What ISIS Really Wants (March 2015 article from the Atlantic)
  9. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~110 min!) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in January 2016.
Meeting Date: 03/14/16 -- 2016 Topic #1: Middle East Alliances
  1. Official background/introductory video (~1 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  3. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  4. The Economist (Jan 2016): Enemies, alliances, and animosities in the Middle East
  5. The Globe and Mail (Dec 2015): Untangling the Middle East [click on any name on the circle and see who that entity is hostile or neutral or friendly towards]
  6. Excellent History/Background Info on Sectarianism in the Middle East (prepared by Ron on 3/30/15 for OLLI Great Decisions 2015)
Meeting Date: 03/07/16 -- 2016 Organizational Meeting
  1. To learn more about FPA and the Great Decisions program, click on the Great Decisions section of the FPA webpage for access to more online information for each topic.
  2. The FPA website has a link to a Listing and Brief Description of the Topics for 2016
  3. An Opinion Ballot for 2016
  4. Great Decisions 2016 Overview: video (~60 min) on the 2016 Great Decisions program from the Hudson Library & Historical Society (Cleveland, OH: January 20, 2016).
The Great Decisions 2015 topics/info appear below!
Meeting Date: 05/04/15 -- 2015 Topic #8: Brazil in Metamorphosis
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~98 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in January 2015
  5. Brazil with Michael Palin (Wikipedia article)
Meeting Date: 04/27/15 -- 2015 Topic #7: Human Trafficking
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
Meeting Date: 04/20/15 -- 2015 Topic #6: Syria's Refugee Crisis
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~64 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
Meeting Date: 04/13/15 -- 2015 Topic #5: US Policy Towards Africa
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~63 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
Meeting Date: 04/06/15 -- 2015 Topic #4: India Changes Course
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~49 min) on India Changes Course -- given at US Army War College in March 2015
Meeting Date: 03/30/15 -- 2015 Topic #3: Sectarianism in the Middle East
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~57 min) on Sectarianism in the Middle East -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
  5. Saudi Arabia & Iran Compete in Yemen (Stratfor report: March 25)
  6. This is a deep and thoughtful piece that appeared in The Atlantic, March 2015 issue. ?What ISIS Really Wants?
  7. Ron's presentation on Sectarianism in the Middle East (19pg, viewable/printable)
  8. Article from the WEEK magazine (dated:April 3) -- US Forces Leave Yemen
Meeting Date: 03/23/15 -- 2015 Topic #2: Privacy in the Digital Age
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Gary's Tips to Protect YOUR Privacy in the Digital Age
  5. YouTube Video (~6 min): Tracking a Nation - Privacy Laws in a Digital Era (posted Jan 2012)
  6. SF Chronicle Editorial Opinion (3/11/15): Twitter -- a tool for shaming others
  7. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~100 min) on Privacy in the Digital Age -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
Meeting Date: 03/16/15 -- 2015 Topic #1: Russia and the Near Abroad
  1. Official background video (~27 min) from the FPA DVD on THIS TOPIC
  2. FPA Online Information on THIS TOPIC -- including many links to late-breaking news, blogs, related organizations, and recommended reading
  3. Useful Glossary of Acronyms/Abbreviations and Terms for THIS TOPIC from FPA website.
  4. Great Decisions 2015 Video on Russia (~27 min)
  5. Lecture/Talk (Video, ~55 min) on THIS TOPIC -- given at US Army War College in February 2015
  6. Possible Russia Military Options for Ukraine (from Stratfor: a for-profit, global intelligence service)
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