Great Decisions to focus on 'U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum'

The St. Charles Public Library, 1 S. Sixth Ave., 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, "U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum," will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21, in the Huntley Meeting Room.

What is the effect of U.S. petroleum security on foreign policy?

For 45 years, the country has alternated between periods of energy security and insecurity, sometimes able to wield petroleum as a useful instrument of foreign policy, sometimes not.

Despite the so-called "energy revolution," the U.S. today is by no means disentangled from foreign dependence and global trends.

In order to be successful, policymakers must recognize both petroleum security circumstances and patterns in the relationship between petroleum and foreign policy.

Future topics include "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. Visit www.fpa.org/great_decisions/.

For information, call (630) 584-0076 or visit www.scpld.org.