Great Decisions Topic Material
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Great Decisions 2014 Briefing Book
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Description
PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE THE 2014MATERIALS, NOT 2015
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By Peter Singer
From robotic planes to cyberweapons to 3D printing and human enhancement, new “game-changing” technologies are moving from science fiction to battlefield reality – all during an age of fiscal austerity. But in wrestling with the new, we can actually learn a great deal from the past. Our forebears went through similar challenges with such once fanciful but now normal concepts as airplanes, submarines, and tanks. What are the “killer applications” of the 21st century battlefield, and in turn, what are the issues that the U.S. must navigate in adapting to them?
Israel and the U.S.
By Seth Anziska
Modern Israel’s struggles with the Palestinians have turned what was meant as a safe haven for Jews into the center of a decades-long conflict. The U.S. has stepped in as Israel’s ally due to the two countries’ shared values, providing years of unparalleled military and diplomatic support. But now those ties are being tested. The Arab Spring, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, failed peace talks, and Israel’s own decision to give Washington the cold shoulder have put new strains on the 65-year-old “special relationship.”
Turkey’s challenges
By Lenore Martin
Turkey: a nation at a crossroads, a bridge over an ever-growing chasm between the East and West. Turkey’s first Prime Minister Kemal Ataturk envisioned a modern, democratic nation-state built on the ashes of the Ottoman Empire with strong ties to Europe, not the Middle East. But as the clashes between secular and religious groups and the recent protests in Taksim Square show, the soul of Turkey is still very much up for grabs.
Islamic awakening
By John P. Entelis
The aftermath of the Arab Spring has resulted in unforeseen changes in the political landscape in many countries, especially regarding the role of Islam and democracy. How have the countries in the Maghreb reacted, including Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began? Is U.S. foreign policy adapting successfully to all of the changes in the region?
Energy Independence
By Jonathan Chanis
Energy independence, by taking the bargaining chip of oil dependence off the table, would be good for American foreign policy. But the very technological advances that make independence possible have created a dilemma for lawmakers. In a government with fixed resources, should the U.S. encourage more traditional fuel production or invest in the young technology of renewable resources?
Food and Climate
By William Sweet
Even as a sixth of the world’s population suffers from chronic hunger, a changing climate threatens to wreak havoc on already insecure and vulnerable populations. As food and water become scarce and once fertile land becomes barren, the U.S. finds itself faced with new challenges in securing the globe. The U.S. is getting ready, but can it lead the way to climate reform?
China’s foreign policy
By David M. Lampton
China has gone to great lengths to emphasize the “peaceful” nature of its meteoric rise. Yet few dispute that China is the dominant regional power in Asia – and in recent years Beijing began to flex its muscles regionally in order to advance its strategic interests. What does the rapid rise of this new superpower mean for other countries in the region, and are there potential points of conflict with the U.S. as it “pivots” to Asia?
U.S. trade policy
By Michael O. Moore and Robert Maxim
America’s foreign policy tools are not limited to sanctions, treaties or military campaigns – they also include the sales pitch. The logic behind this pitch, or “economic statecraft,” is simple: promote the benefits of democracy and the free market. In so doing, the U.S. will gain valuable and stable partners, both in business and in diplomacy. Now, as China and other emerging nations battle the U.S. for global influence, Secretary Kerry will take the reigns as a free market matchmaker.
Testimonials
"Topics are written without a liberal or conservative bent, which I greatly appreciate"
"Over the years I've found the current level of materials excellent and provide essential information for participants who lack knowledge about particular topics. As a facilitator I research particular topics or geographic areas to provide background historic, demographic, economic data using such sources as the Economist Magazine, Bloomberg Business Week, N.Y. Times, Washington Post and other periodicals."
"I really appreciate the suggested reading at the end of each topic. I especially like the online material because it is so accessible and my local libraries often do not have the paper material available."
"The resources cited at the end of the topic are very helpful, especially if available online at no cost."
"Great Decisions has been helpful to me for many years. I am interested in in depth world news year round. I apprediate the information and the interaction within a good group "
"I found the program overwhelming but educational and well worth my time. I'm looking forward to the 2013 series."
"Keep selecting topics that are timely"
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