Great Decisions 2008
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia
Saturday mornings January 12th to March 1st
10am - 12pm
Members: Full Series (8 sessions) $50 Nonmembers: Full Series $60
Individual Session: $15 Students & Teachers: FREE! (please register)
Briefing Book: $17.50
Any student attending ALL eight sessions will receive a FREE one-year complimentary membership with the World Affairs Council!
Organized nationally by the Foreign Policy Association in New York, Great Decisions is the oldest and largest grassroots educational program on world affairs of its kind. Each year, Great Decisions provides timely and insightful analysis on key policy issues through a series of eight lectures. Join us on the following dates as we tackle the most pressing issues of 2008.
January 12th: European Union at 50
Having reached the 50th anniversary of the great experiment in European integration, it is time to take stock of the united Europe. Has the integration of new members been successful? What does the debate on Turkey's membership say about the future of EU integration and its changing demographics?
Speaker: Dr. Regina Karp, Old Dominion University
January 19th: Talking to our Enemies
How the U.S. deals with international challenges often depends on how it engages with allies, as well as enemies. How should the U.S. deal with countries like Cuba, North Korea and Iran? What approach should the U.S. take with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah?
Speakers: Dr. Shumet Sishagne, Christopher Newport University and Dr. Mary Manjikian, Regent University.
January 26th: Russia
During his two terms as president, Vladimir Putin has attempted to remake Russia into a major, independent world power. Some of his recent policies have provoked concern in the U.S. and Europe. With a 2008 Russian presidential election expected, what course will Russia take?Speaker: Professor Allen Lynch, University of Virginia.
February 2nd: U.S. Defense & Security Policy
The U.S. military is adopting new policies and methods for defending the U.S. and its interests abroad. What should U.S. priorities be? How should its forces be structured and deployed to meet new security challenges?
Speaker: Dr. Aaron Karp, Old Dominion University.
February 9th: Latin America: Shift to the Left?
What factors have prevented the U.S. and Latin American countries from forging a strong relationship? What challenges confront U.S. policy in Latin America? Can the U.S. offer an alternative to the influence of left-leaning leaders like Venezuela's Hugo Chavez?
Speaker: Dr. Francis Adams, Old Dominion University.
February 16th: Iraq - End Game
A recurring question found in most public opinion polls and on the 2008 presidential campaign trail: What will be the end-game for the U.S. in Iraq? How will U.S. decisions about continued engagement affect Iraq itself, and the Middle East?
Speakers: Dr. Jennifer Jefferis, Regent University and Dr. Hussam Timani, Christopher Newport University.
February 23rd: U.S.-China Trade Policy
Recent product safety scares have thrown the spotlight on the enormous role China plays in supplying products to the U.S. Could the large and growing trade imbalance with China have an adverse effect on the U.S. economy? What role does the undervalued Chinese currency play? Speaker: Dr. Douglas Walker, Regent University.
March 1st: Private Philanthropy
Billionaire Warren Buffet's June 2007 pledge to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation prompted headlines about the size of the gift and the impact it could have on global education and health initiatives. Can private donors be more effective than governments in tackling world problems?Speaker: Angelica Light, CEO, Norfolk Foundation.
The Great Decisions Series is funded in part through a generous grant from
the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.
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