Feature Story

February 10, 2014 | By Cole Hatcher

Great Decisions 2014

Eight distinguished speakers will discuss global issues as part of the 2014 Great Decisions series.

The 2014 Great Decisions Community Discussion Series on U.S. Foreign Policy will cover the globe with conversations regarding China, Israel, the Islamic world, defense technology, energy, and more.

Discussions will be held at noon in Room 18 of William Street United Methodist Church, 28 W. William St., Delaware. Attendees are welcome to bring a brown-bag lunch. Complimentary coffee and tea will be provided.

Speakers for the eight-session 2014 series are as follows:

Feb. 21, “Food and Climate,” by Laurel Anderson, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Department of Botany/Microbiology Feb. 28, “Defense Technology,” Dennis Laich, M.A., M.B.A., retired U.S. Army major general who has served in Iraq, Kuwait, Germany, the Netherlands, and Honduras March 7, “The Rise of China and Its Impact on the Globe,” Ji Young Choi, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Department of Politics and Government March 14, “Islamic Awakening,” Nicol Ghazi, associate of the Noor Islamic Culture Center, member of the Olentangy School District Diversity Committee, and a Fall 2013 instructor for the Learning Enrichment Institute of The Ohio State University Marion March 21, “Turkey’s Challenges,” Alper Yalcinkaya, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Department of Sociology/Anthropology March 28, “Israel and the United States,” Alison Rose, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Departments of Religion and Philosophy April 4, “Energy Independence,” Andrew Meyer, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Department of Economics April 11, “U.S. Trade Policy,” Goran Skosples, Ph.D., Ohio Wesleyan Department of Economics

Great Decisions is designed to encourage debate and discussion on the role of the United States in world affairs. The program provides materials that help people reach informed opinions on issues and encourages them to participate in the foreign-policy process.

Developed by the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) in 1954, the Great Decisions Community Discussion Series is the longest-standing and largest grassroots world affairs educational program of its kind.

Following each discussion, participants will have the option of completing a quick survey – prepared by the FPA – to add their opinions to thousands of others across the nation. Survey results will be made available to local media and sent to Washington, D.C.

Sponsors of this year’s discussion series include the American Association of University Women, Kiwanis, League of Women Voters, International Studies Program at Ohio Wesleyan University, Council for Older Adults, William Street United Methodist Church, Willow Brook Christian Communities, and private donors.

Learn more about OWU’s Great Decisions Series speakers.