‘Great Decisions 2009’ Foreign Policy series begins again in January

For over 50 years, ‘Great Decisions’, sponsored by the non-partisan Foreign Policy Association, has sponsored local groups to increase citizens’ understanding of world affairs. By bringing important issues to the town meeting level, participants can develop an informed opinion on the role that the United States should play in world affairs.

The eight-week series is based on a briefing book that participants will receive.
Each session will begin with a speaker and conclude with Q & A and discussion.

The Dunwoody group will meet at the United Methodist Church at 1546 Mt. Vernon Road on Thursday evenings from 7:30PM – 9 PM from January 22 through March 12.

Cost for the eight weeks and briefing book is $25. Advance registration is requested. Contact (770) 399-1821 or rllbol@bellsouth.net for the registration form.

Topics and speakers are:

1/22 The U.S. and Rising Powers: Dr. John Garver, Professor of International Relations at the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, Georgia Institute Of Technology.

1/29 Afghanistan and Pakistan: Dr. Marion Creekmore, Jr., Visiting Professor at Emory University. Served as U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Deputy Chief of Mission in India and Deputy Afghan Coordinator.

2/5 Energy and the Global Economy: Dr. Jay Hakes, former Administrator of the Energy Information Administration; currently Director of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library. 2008 Publication: A Declaration of Energy Independence.

2/12 The Arctic Age: Peter White, President Emeritus of the Southern Center for International Studies. Attended a high level conference in November in Shanghai to examine the future strategic relationship among China, Russia and the U.S. and two conferences in Toronto, one specifically addressing The Arctic.

2/19 Universal Human Rights? Dr. John Stremlau, vice president for peace programs at The Carter Center where he oversees programs to advance human rights, democracy and conflict resolution.

2/26 Global Food supply: Dr. Gordon Streeb, currently Visiting Professor of Economics at Emory University. Previously Ambassador to Zambia and Director of the Global Development Initiative at the Carter Center.

3/5 Cuba After Castro: Dr. Jennifer McCoy, Professor of Political Science at Georgia State University and Director of the Americas Program at The Carter Center. Organized and accompanied President Carter on his 2002 trip to Cuba.

3/12 Egypt in the 21st Century: Dr. Dona Stewart, Associate Professor and Director of the Middle East Institute at Georgia State University. She has studied and worked in Egypt periodically since 1988.