Great Decisions explores 'International Migration' Thursday

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, "International Migration," will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the library's Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave. As a record number of migrants cross the Mediterranean Sea, seeking refuge in Europe, the continent is struggling to come up with an adequate response. Although Europe's refugees are largely fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and parts of Africa, their struggle is hardly unique. Today, with the number of displaced people at an all-time high, a number of world powers find themselves facing a difficult question: how can they balance border security with humanitarian concerns? More importantly, what can they do to resolve these crises so as to limit the number of displaced persons?

Future topics include: "Korean Choices;" "The United Nations Post-2015 Development Agenda and Leadership;" "Climate Geopolitics: The Road to Paris and Beyond;" and "Cuba and the U.S."

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.