The Wood County Committee on Aging, along with the American Association of University Women – Bowling Green Branch, will once again host the Great Decisions Lecture Series for six consecutive Saturdays from 9:30-11 a.m., on Jan. 25 through March 1, at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green.
The Great Decisions Lecture Series is an informative educational discussion group designed by the Foreign Policy Association. Participants will be enlightened with up-to-date information on worldly topics facilitated by professors from various universities. The professors will provide an opportunity for questions and answers following each discussion session.
A full list of topics and speakers is provided below.
Jan. 25: U.S. Changing Leadership to the World Economy
Dr. Stefan Frisch, Associate Professor, Political Science
Under President Biden, the U.S. has advanced new ideas about trade, technology, industrial policy, competition with China, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the postwar era, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas 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?
Feb. 1: The Future of NATO and European Security
Dr. Douglas Forsyth, Associate Professor, History Department
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 failure of Congress to pass supplemental military support for Ukraine.
Feb. 8: AI and American National Security
Dr. Stefan Frisch, Associate Professor, Political Science
The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution that promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities that 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 on global AI rules of the road?
Feb. 15: After Gaza: American Policy in the Middle East
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 America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them?
Feb. 22: India: Between China, the West and the Global South
Dr. Vibha Bhalla, Associate Professor, Department of Ethnic Studies
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 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?
March 1: International Cooperation on Climate Change
Dr. Amilcar Challu, Associate Professor, History Department
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking a common cause of this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what has it yielded?
Dates and topics are subject to change.
These sessions are free and open to the public. Registration is required by calling the programs department at 419-353-5661 or 800-367-4935 or email programs@wccoa.net
Manuals are available for purchase (but are not required) and must be reserved when registering for the series. Advanced payment of $38 is required to place a manual order.
Participants will be able to attend via Zoom and if sessions are not able to meet in person they will be held only via Zoom. All sessions will be uploaded to the YouTube Channel “Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc.”
