St. Charles library to host Great Decisions Nov. 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, "Latin America's Political Pendulum", will be 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in the library Huntley Meeting Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

The pendulum of Latin American politics is swinging rightward once again. Yet as the "pink tide" recedes, the forces of change have more to do with socioeconomics than ideology. Dramatic economic and political crises have coincided in countries like Brazil and Venezuela. Still, the final result for Latin America may be the emergence of centrist, pragmatic modes of governance, and with them, opportunities for the U.S. to improve relations. The new administration must look beyond the neoliberal model of the 1990s, and develop an approach to relations fit for the 21st century.

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