Great Decisions to explore 'Trade, Jobs and Politics' March 16
The St. Charles Public Library is host to Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.
This month's discussion, "Trade, Jobs and Politics," will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, in the Huntley Meeting Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave.
The U.S. political mood toward trade has gone sour. One need look no further than the 2016 presidential contest for the popular narrative: trade means that China wins, at America's expense. But do the numbers support that conclusion? The metrics used to gauge economic strength - Gross Domestic Product and balance of trade - have not kept up with the realities of modern manufacturing. Obtaining an accurate picture of U.S. economic stature requires a critique of those numbers. Only then can the U.S. develop appropriate policy solutions for the challenges at hand.
The April topic will be "Conflict in the South China Sea." The South China Sea is a locus of competing territorial claims, and China its most vocal claimant. Beijing's interest has intensified disputes with other countries in the region in recent years, especially since China has increased its naval presence. Despite rising international pressure, including an unfavorable ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, China staunchly defends its policies in the region. Preventing tensions from boiling over is a matter of careful diplomacy.
In May, the topic will be "Saudi Arabia in Transition." As Saudi Arabia struggles to adjust to the drastic decline in oil revenue, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman attempts to boldly transform the country and shift more power to the younger generation. At the same time, many countries such as the U.S. point out the lack of democracy, women's rights and human rights in Saudi Arabia, and blame its promotion of Wahhabism, an extremely conservative version of Islam, for creating jihadists. Bipartisan criticism of Saudi Arabia is rising in Congress. Both countries need each other, but they are at a crossroads in bilateral relations.
Other upcoming topics will be "U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum"; "Latin America's Political Pendulum"; and "Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan."
The annual series features a DVD on each topic, followed by a moderated discussion among the participants. Participants are asked to review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available for purchase for $25 at the library's Reference Desk and also to check out. Registration is not required.
The Foreign Policy Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States. Each year, thousands take part in the Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign policy concerns. For more information, call (630) 584-0076.