The International Relations Team offers two versions of the Great Decisions program as educational outreach. These events are open to the public and we hope you will attend!

The discussion group meets the first Monday of each month (Feb. – June; Oct.-Dec) at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, East Room, from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. ( Our meetings continue on the Zoom platform due to COVID-19)

In addition, we are prepared to act upon items that fall within the national positions under International Relations.

From time to time we research areas of international concern to present to the local League membership.

The team also collaborates with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, a division of  CSU’s Continuing Education Program, to present a Great Decisions Program in a classroom setting.

Sign-up for the 2021 season of Great Decisions has begun. Briefing books will be available in January for $25, payable on receipt of the book.
Do you like to stay informed, but cannot attend the meetings? No problem! Everyone is welcome to purchase a book. To reserve a book, please contact Kay Easley at easleykw@aol.com or by phone, at 970-282-0135.

GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAINS AND NATIONAL SECURITY  February 1, 2021 

The shutdown of global supply chains due to the Covid-19 pandemic brought to the fore an issue with the high level of global economic interdependence: what happens when one country is the main source for an item, say face masks, and then can no longer supply the item? Countries suddenly unable to meet the demand for certain supplies are faced with growing calls for economic nationalism. What are some of the lasting effects that the pandemic could have on global supply chains and trade? How would this affect national security?

THE FUTURE OF PERSIAN GULF SECURITY  March 1, 2021

The Persian Gulf remains tense as the rivalry between the regional powers of Saudi Arabia and Iran continues. Tensions escalated in early 2020 as the United States began to intervene in the Gulf, launching an airstrike that killed two Iranian military commanders. What are the historical influences that have led to these tensions? What role, if any, should the United States play? Is using military force a viable foreign policy option for 2021 and beyond?

With the “Brexit transition period” coming to an end this year, the United Kingdom will formally leave the European Union at the start of 2021. With negotiations between the two entities continuing to stall, what does the future of Europe and the UK look like? Will the UK survive a possible Scottish vote to leave? Who will step up and take command of Europe now that Angela Merkel is out of the spotlight? 

THE COLDEST WAR: TOWARD A RETURN TO GREAT POWER COMPETITION IN THE ARCTIC? May 3, 2021 

U.S. President Donald Trump left many scratching their heads when it was rumored that he was looking to purchase the large island nation of Greenland from Denmark. While any potential deal seems highly unlikely, the event shows the changing opinion within the U.S. government toward engagement with the Arctic region. Because of climate change, large sheets of arctic ice are melting, exposing vast stores of natural gas and oil. With Russia and China already miles ahead with their Arctic strategies, can the U.S. catch up?


 CHINA AND AFRICA  June 7, 2021 

The Covid-19 crisis has put a massive strain on what was growing a positive economic and political relationship between China and the continent of Africa. As Chinese President Xi Jinping’s centerpiece “Belt and Road initiative” continues to expand Chinese power, the response to the spread of Covid-19, as well as the African government’s growing debt to China, has seen pushback. What are some of the growing economic and political issues between China and Africa?

THE TWO KOREAS October 4, 2021

The Korean Peninsula is facing a defining era. Attempts by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump to repair the rift between North and South have lost any momentum as Pyongyang continues to test long-range missiles for its nuclear weapons program. As the rift between the U.S. and China grows further, South Korea may end up in the middle of the two superpowers. What does the future hold for the U.S. relationship with the ROK?

THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION'S RESPONSE TO COVID-19November 1, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has thrust the World Health Organization (WHO) into the limelight, for better and for worse. While some of the Trump administration’s criticism of the organization is unfair, the response to the early stages of the pandemic left many experts wanting more from the WHO. What is the WHO’s role in responding to international pandemics? What can be done to improve the WHO’s response to future global health crises?

THE END OF GLOBALIZATION? December 6, 2021

 With the passing of the Brexit vote and Donald Trump’s America First doctrine, protectionist policies have become more prevalent, challenging globalization. What is globalization and how will it be affected by protectionist trade policies? How will the United States and the world be affected by such policies? Is globalization really at an end, or in need of a refresh?