GREAT DECISIONS

MCIV and Friends of the Bozeman Library coordinate the Great Decisions program locally by setting up discussion groups and providing knowledgeable, volunteer moderators. The Fall 2011 moderators are listed below each topic so mark your calendars for 6:30pm each of the following evenings:

October 26: RESPONDING TO THE FINANCIAL CRISIS
Moderator: Dr. Doug Young

Should the U.S. lead on global financial reform?  As an immediate response to the financial crisis of 2007–08, governments around the world stepped in to bail out troubled private banks deemed “too big to fail,” underscoring the interdependence between private and public finances. With the recent eurozone crisis, what have we learned so far and is it possible to ensure that future crises will not occur?

November 2: GERMANY ASCENDANT
Moderator: Dr. Mike Myers

Is it time for the U.S. to declare a “special relationship” with Germany?  Germany has emerged from both the financial crisis and the eurozone crisis as the dominant economic and political power in Europe, in particular setting the tone for dealings with Russia, Eastern Europe and Iran. How important is it for U.S, interests to enhance relations with Germany, and how should the U.S. react when German and U.S. interests fail to align?

November 9: THE CAUCASUS
Moderator: Joyce Jarosz-Hannula, MA

Should Americans care about the Caucasus?  The countries and regions of the Caucasus all have strong national identities but have long lived in the shadow of their larger neighbors: Russia, Iran and Turkey.  How does this influence the Caucasus of today? How do the region’s energy resources play into its relations with the outside world?

November 16: GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
Moderator: Dr. Linda Young

Is American power in decline?  International cooperation subjects political leaders to an ongoing test: balancing national needs with a commitment to building a durable international order. How has an increasingly interconnected and shrinking world affected the viability of existing agreements and institutions?  What economic, social, political and security concerns are currently on the agendas of intergovernmental bodies, and what is the future U.S. role?

For more information please call our office at 406.994.4887.