The Los Altos Library, League of Women Voters of the Los Altos-Mountain View Area, the Los Altos-Mountain view Branch of the American Association of University Women and the Foreign Policy Association have scheduled a Great Decisions discussion series 2-4 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 2-March 23, in the Los Altos Library Program Room, 13 S. San Antonio Road.
Topics have been chosen because of their anticipated importance to U.S. foreign policy in coming months. The Foreign Policy Association has prepared a briefing book, available in mid-January, which should be ordered by Friday.
Series topics include:
UN Reform: Both its supporters and critics recognize the United Nations as an organization in need of critical changes. Disagreements about intervention in Iraq, the oil-for-food-scandal and management issues have fueled the debate about the UN’s ability to take on global challenges. What reforms are needed to make the UN more effective?
The U.S. and Iran: The election of Iran’s conservative president has raised concern that hardliners will shape policies against U.S. interests. How can the United States check Iran’s influence in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the region? How will the United States and the international community mitigate the crisis over Iran’s nuclear ambitions?
Energy: Energy supply and consumption have a significant impact on U.S. politics and the economy. Is reliance on Middle East oil making the U.S. vulnerable to political influence and economic peril? How will the rapidly increasing consumption of energy by countries like China affect the United States and the world?
Brazil: After decades of economic volatility, Brazil is enjoying steady growth, despite a political scandal in the administration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Will Brazil continue on course toward stability? What impact will the scandal have on Brazil’s economy, on its South American neighbors and on the United States?
Human Rights in the Age of Terrorism: Terrorist attacks in Western nations have forced governments to adopt measures, sometimes controversial, to combat terrorism. While security is a priority for all societies, debate has arisen about how far some of these measures should reach. Can human rights and civil liberties be fully protected in an age of terrorism?
China and India: Partners or Competitors? China and India have emerged on the world stage after following different paths toward rapid economic growth. Will China and India work closer together or compete with each other to become major world powers? How will their growth affect the U.S. economy and strategic interests?
Turkey: Turkey has long sought membership in the European Union. Roadblocks remain, as several European countries are wary of Turkey’s candidacy. Could Turkey’s membership in the EU help Western relations with the Islamic world? Or could the possible rejection of Turkey cause an even wider divide?
Pandemics and Security: Post-9-11, security and public health authorities are planning for epidemiological disasters as never before. What does that planning encompass, and how effective is it likely to be? What lessons can be learned from reactions to the global AIDS pandemic and its growing impact on the developing world?
Participation in the Great Decisions discussion series costs $15.
For more information, to order books, call Janice Letson at 941-5387.
