The LWVBN-sponsored Great Decisions group will commence its 2024 year on Thursday, March 7, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. We will organize future meetings and then discuss the first chapter in the 2024 Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions book: “The U.S. and the Middle East.” Here is a synopsis of the chapter:

Mideast Realignment by Marc Lynch

The United States and Middle East are at a crossroads. In spite of a reduced presence in the Middle East, the

U.S. still has significant national interests there and the area is a key arena for global power politics. Can the U.S. continue to defend its interests in the Middle East and globally with a lower level of military and political involvement, or should it recommit to a leading role in the region?

The 2024 edition of Great Decisions was published in early 2024 and the chapter includes discussion of the October 7 attack so it is relevant to today’s issues.

The Great Decisions group will continue its 2024 discussions on Thursday, April 4, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. We will discuss the second chapter in the 2024 book, titled “Global trade and green energy.”

Here is a synopsis of the chapter:

Climate technology and competition by Bud Ward

Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?

Terri Parks will moderate our discussion. If you would like to participate, contact Fran Holmes to receive the Zoom invitation. The Great Decisions book can be purchased directly from the Foreign Policy Association: www.fpa.org.

Fran Holmes, Great Decisions Coordinator