Registration is required for this discussion group.

Discussion group size will be limited to 15 participants. Participants register for all eight discussions and will need to purchase a Great Decisions Handbook ($35.00).  Scholarships for the Handbook are available when needed. We request that the topical readings be completed before the discussion.

Call Louise Murphy at 802-652-7076 to register.

Roger Bourassa, Retired Educator, will be the facilitator for the discussions.

More information about Great Decisions Discussion groups can be found on the web by ‘Google-ing’: “Great Decisions 2006"

South Burlington Great Decisions Group

Sharing in the common belief in the need for popular education in international affairs.”  

Great Decisions Program Handbook. Foreign Policy Association.

The South Burlington Community Library will be hosting a Great Decisions Discussion Program in conjunction with the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) and the Vermont Council on World Affairs. “Great Decisions covers timely global and thematic issues related to U.S. foreign policy.” “Developed by the Foreign Policy Association in 1954, the Great Decisions Discussion Program is the oldest and largest grass-roots world affairs educational program of its kind in the country.”  “The FPA publishes a “briefing book” with articles written by experts, providing a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current national debate, historical background, and policy options concerning each topic. Participants meet monthly to discuss the topics.” A group discussion leader facilitates each discussion group. “The Discussion Program also utilizes the Great Decisions Television Series, Great Decisions Online, and the National Opinion Ballot report. The results of the ballots are tabulated and presented to the White House, the departments of state and defense, members of Congress and the national media.” [quotes from the Great Decisions Program Handbook. Foreign Policy Association.]

“Communicating views to local and state representatives is critical to the functioning of a democracy.”

Great Decisions Program Handbook. Foreign Policy Association.

MARCH 16 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - 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 U.S. check Iran's influence in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries in the region? How will the U.S. and the international community mitigate the crisis over Iran's nuclear ambitions?

APRIL 20 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - 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?

MAY 18 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.  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?

JUNE 15 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Human rights in an 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?

SEPTEMBER 21 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - 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?

OCTOBER 12 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Brazil

After decades of economic volatility, Brazil is finally enjoying steady growth, despite a political scandal surrounding 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 U.S.?

NOVEMBER 2 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - 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?

NOVEMBER 30 – 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - Energy

Energy supply and consumption have a significant impact on U.S. politics and 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 U.S. and the world?