February 2, 2022: Outer Space, DVD/Roundtable DiscussionThe launch of Sputnik 1 in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX and Blue Origin. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space?
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February 9, 2022: Climate Change, Dr. Pablo Toral, Professor of Environmental Studies and International Relations, Department Chair, Beloit CollegeThe ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate?
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February 16, 2022: The Quad Alliance, DVD/Roundtable DiscussionAs part of the U.S. pivot to Asia, the United States has been in dialogue with Japan, Australia, and India in an effort to contain China. Recently, the Quad countries held joint naval exercises in the South Pacific. How effective will the actions of this alliance be? Will the Quad countries be able to contain China's power reach?
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February 23, 2022: Russia and the U.S., John Katzka, retired Senior Foreign Service OfficerRussia and the United States have many areas of conflict and some possible areas of mutual interest. Arms control, Russian interference in U.S. elections and support of cyberattacks, the status of Ukraine, the fate of opposition politicians in Russia, all continue to be concerning. How will the new administration in Washington approach these issues?
Register for this free program online at https://tinyurl.com/FPLGD224March 2, 2022: Myanmar and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), DVD/Roundtable DiscussionThe situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to the chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play? Is it possible for democracy to prevail in Myanmar?
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March 9, 2022: Biden’s Foreign Policy, Dr. Beth Dougherty, Manger Professor of International Relations, Beloit CollegeDr. Dougherty will present an overview of U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration, looking specifically at repairing alliances (Europe and NATO in particular); managing the threats from Russia, China, and Iran; and drawing down U.S. military involvement in the greater Middle East (Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq).
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March 16, 2022: Industrial Policy, DVD/Roundtable DiscussionThe current discussion of industrial policy in the United States is not simply about whether or not to support specific companies or industries, but about trust or mistrust of the government and its ability to manage the economy and deal with a rising China. The upheaval in supply chains during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the international economy. What policies can the United States implement to deal with trade and the economy?
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March 23, 2022: U.S. Drug Policy in Latin America, Peter Kranstover, retired Foreign Service Officer with USAID for nearly 30 years in Latin America, Africa, Washington, D.C., and PakistanThe issue of migration to the United States from Latin America has overshadowed the war on drugs, which has been underway for decades with little signs of progress. What are the roots and the bureaucratic logic behind today's dominant drug policies in Latin America? Is it time to reconsider punitive drug policies that disrupt supply chains and punish drug possession?
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