Every Wednesday evening at 6:30pm from February 1 to March 22, Franklin Public Library will host the Great Decisions Discussion Series. Great Decisions is sponsored by the Franklin Public Library Foundation, by the generosity of the Holz Family Foundation, and Tom and Carole Donovan.
The full schedule is listed here:
FEBRUARY 1
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Politics in Latin America – Pablo Toral, Ph.D. - Professor of Environmental Studies and International Relations, Department Chair of Political Science, Beloit College
Many observers of the regional/political scene have discerned a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. How much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?
FEBRUARY 8
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China and the U.S. – Richard Rocamora - former VP and General Manager of Cooper Power Systems in Shanghai, China
One major point of contention between China and the United States is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty. How will the United States engage a China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence?
FEBRUARY 15
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War Crimes – DVD/Roundtable
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread charges of war crimes and calls for justice. But what exactly are war crimes? Opinions of what constitutes a war crime have evolved, as have ways to identify and punish the perpetrators. How will the war crimes committed in Ukraine be dealt with?
FEBRUARY 22
RESCHEDLED FOR MARCH 29•
Energy Geopolitics -- John Katzka, retired Senior Foreign Service Officer
As more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world?
MARCH 1
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Climate Migration -- Pablo Toral, Ph.D. - Professor of Environmental Studies and International Relations, Department Chair of Political Science, Beloit College
As climate change accelerates and drought and rising sea levels become more common, millions of people in affected regions must uproot themselves and seek safety elsewhere. Who are these affected individuals, and how might the United States aid them, and be affected by the migration?
MARCH 8
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Iran at a Crossroads – Beth Dougherty, Ph.D. - Manger Professor of International Relations, Beloit College
By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, the economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s religious leader. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?
MARCH 15
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Global Famine – DVD/Roundtable
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer, has produced global food shortages. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined, and how is it different from simple food shortages? What if any remedies are there?
MARCH 22
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Economic Warfare – DVD/Roundtable
Economic warfare tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States, have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?
MARCH 29 (rescheduled from February 22)
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Energy Geopolitics -- John Katzka, retired Senior Foreign Service Officer
As more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world?