Great Decisions is the nation’s longest-running global affairs education program, with content experts facilitating group discussions on topics of global importance. Ferris Hills hosts the local chapter of Great Decisions each year.
Join us for complimentary discussions in the Ferris Hills Community Room from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. An optional lunch follows, for $9 per guest. Call (585) 393-0410 to register, or for more information.

2012 Topic Descriptions

Middle East Realignment
February 8
The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for the Middle East’s transition to democracy? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order?

Energy Geopolitics
February 15
The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will U.S. energy needs affect its relations with other nations?

Promoting Democracy
February 22
The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today?

Exit from Afghanistan & Iraq
February 29
Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve its counterterrorism goals?

Indonesia
March 7
Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia’s role in the global community?

Mexico
March 14
Mexico’s border with Central America, as well as the border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges?

Cybersecurity
March 21
The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?

State of the Oceans
March 28
The world’s oceans are essential to life on earth, and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems?