Great Decisions 2020 Lectures series highlights critical topics

“Great Decisions” is America's largest discussion program on world affairs.Locally, Great Decisions features Army War College faculty’s expert insights in a weekly series of presentations with question-answer opportunities for the eight most critical issues facing America each year.

The presentation series is free and open to the military and civilian community, scheduled for Friday afternoons at the United States Army Heritage and Education Center, 950 Soldiers Drive, Carlisle.

China's Road into Latin America, Friday, March 13, 1 – 3 p.m.

Speaker:Dr. Evan Ellis, Prof. of Latin American Studies, U.S. Army War College

As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”?

Artificial Intelligence and Data Friday, TBD, 1 – 3 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Charles Ffaff. Prof. for the Study of the Military Profession and Ethic, U.S. Army War College

Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it. Will the U.S. follow suit?

Completed

India and Pakistan Friday, Jan. 24, 1 – 3 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHLSLHhP7j8&t=130s

Speaker: Dr. Pat Bratton, Associate Professor of National Security, U.S. Army War College.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode a wave of Hindu nationalism to a historic reelection in 2019. His first order of business was to revoke the special status granted to the Kashmir region, inflaming the rivalry between India and Pakistan. How will the Kashmir situation affect the region, both economically and politically?

Climate Change and the Global Order Friday, Jan 31, 1 – 3 p.m.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrQcRQUbBsQ

Speaker: Dr. GK Cunningham, Professor of Strategic Landpower, U.S. Army War College

Climate change has become one of the defining issues of our time. As much of the world bands together to come up with a plan, the U.S. remains the notable holdout. What is the rest of the world doing to combat climate change? What impact will the effects of climate change have on global geopolitics?

Red Sea Security Friday, Feb 14, 1 – 3 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Carol Evans, Research Professor of National Security Affairs, U.S. Army War College

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8ygy6pswsE&spfreload=10

The Red Sea has remained vital for global trade since the time of ancient Egypt. Once home to the spice trade, the Red Sea now sees millions of barrels of oil a day transported across its waters. With major nations like China, France, Italy, and the U.S. building large ports and bases in the region, what does the future of the region look like? How important is Red Sea security for global security? Can the region be a place of global cooperation?

BREXIT Friday, Feb. 21, 1 – 3 p.m.

Speaker: Dr. Mark Duckenfield, Chairman, Dept of National Security and Strategy, U.S. Army War College

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XvLf4qzrQA

The outcome of the United Kingdom referendum on EU membership sent shockwaves across the globe. It even caught British voters by surprise. The European Union has helped secure peace in Europe for the past 70 years. Now it faces an uncertain future. Amid a refugee crisis, lingering financial recession and the constant specter of terrorism, unity seems more imperative than ever. But the Brexit vote underscores the complexities of integrating an extremely diverse continent. What will post-Brexit Europe look like, and how can U.S. foreign policy adapt?