Join 'Great Decisions' program on South Africa Nov. 15

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 will be "South Africa's Fragile Democracy" at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15, in the Huntley Meeting Room in the lower level of the library, 1 S. Sixth Ave.

The African National Congress party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface.

Given America's history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy.

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.

There will be no program in December due to the holidays.

The next monthly program will be Jan. 17 with the topic "Global Health: Progress and Challenges." The collective action of countries, communities and organizations over the last 30 years has literally saved millions of lives around the world. Yet terrible inequalities in health and well-being persist.

The world now faces a mix of old and new health challenges, including the preventable deaths of mothers and children, continuing epidemics of infectious diseases, and rising rates of chronic disease. They also remain vulnerable to the emergence of new and deadly pandemics.

For these reasons, the next several decades will be just as important - if not more so - than the last in determining well-being across nations.

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 or visit www.scpld.org.