Great Decisions

AAUW’s Great Decisions is a discussion group that uses the topics in the briefing book published annually by the Foreign Policy Association.  In addition, a video on the day’s subject is advertised to members in advance. Meeting eight times per year at PCCF and by Zoom, the group’s discussion is led by a member. Meetings are open to all whether or not they have read the article or watched the video. We are scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 6:30.

September 19 – High Seas Treaty                                      Leader:  Diane Woolever

Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate? 

October 17, 2024 Understanding Indonesia                              Leader:  Anu Garlapati

Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans. But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia?

November 21 – Pandemic Preparedness                      Leaders:  Renee Caprile and Clare Pokorny

Looking back at the Covid-19 pandemic, there are many lessons to take away in terms of domestic and international policies. Although this pandemic seems to have waned, how can we apply these lessons to future pandemics? Will countries cooperate, and will a consensus emerge on how to manage global health challenges?

February 20, 2025 – America at a Global Crossroads    Leader: KathyEvans

This chapter will explore the contours of as it plays out in the world of multiple at escalating, crisis and domestic polarization.

Author: G John Ikenberry

March 20, 2025 – The Evolution of  US Leadership in the Global Economy.  Leader: Linda Cronk

Under President Biden, the US has advanced new ideas about trade, technology, industrial policy, competition with China, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the post where error, the US is tied, it’s global leadership to cooperative agendas and claim aimed at creating a more open world trading system, but that has apparently come to an end. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will America’s foreign policy for the middle class And strategic competition with China impact its leadership role? How can the post war rules and institutions of the world economy be made safe for economic nationalism, and great power competition?

April 17, 2025 – Navigating US – China Relations in Tense Times.      Leaders:  Martha Hoeppner and Ellyn Lovett

Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous Loeb. Both American political parties have identified China as the countries preeminent, geopolitical challenger, and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino – American relations, and what are America strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition? Authors are Jessica Chen Weiss and Ali Wyne

May 15, 2025  – International Cooperation on Climate Change            Leaders:  Anita Quinlan and Clare Pokorny

The 2015 Paris agreement establish a UN sponsor framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the US role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership? Author is Josh Busby. 

August 21, 2025 – The Future of NATO and European Security                   Leader: Dianne Woolever

European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin‘s Russia has launched a war with Ukraine on its doorstep, and America’s uncertain role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question with the future of Congress to pass supplemental military support for Ukraine. What are your options, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic– impact it choices what are America’s states in NATO and Europe strategic dilemmas.  Author:  Kori Schake

September 18, 2025 – AI and American National Security            Leader:  Liz Maynard

The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that the international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities. ….these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area and what are the opportunities and limits of global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security? What are the policy options to secure the benefits of AI and guard against its dangers?    Author :  Julie George

October 16, 2025 – India: between China, the West, and the Global South.        Leader:  Anu Garlapati 

India is an emerging major power in world affairs, occupying a pivotal position between China, the United States, and the Global South. Its population, size, economy, and geopolitical location, ensure that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over the global order. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India?  Author:  Leslie Vinjamuri.

November  20, 2025- After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East              Leaders :  MaryAnn Thompson  

The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position?  How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement?   What are the America’s interest in the Middle East and how can it advance them? Arthur Daniel Kurtzer