Dakota County Library will host Great Decisions, a series of nonpartisan discussions that provide education on important American policy issues. Presenters with expertise in policy issues around the world will set the stage for discussing diverse viewpoints.
Participants are encouraged to check out a copy of the Great Decisions 2017 briefing book prior to the events. A desk copy is available to read at the Galaxie Library. All discussions will be held at the Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley. For more information, please visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-450-2900.
Discussions are scheduled on the following dates:
Future of Europe
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. Explore what a post-Brexit Europe will look like, and how U.S. foreign policy can adapt.
Presenter Dr. Mary T. Curtin, a Minnesota native, joined the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota as Diplomat-in-Residence in 2013 after a 25-year career as a Department of State Foreign Service Officer.
Tue, March 14, 6:30–8 pm
Galaxie Library
Conflict in the South China Sea
Discuss the competing territorial claims in the South China Sea and how nations are attempting to prevent tensions from boiling over through careful diplomacy. Presenter Richard Bohr, Professor of History and Director of Asian Studies at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University, has devoted his professional career to promoting U.S.-Asia relations.
Tue, March 28, 6:30–8 pm
Galaxie Library
Trade and Politics
Examine the metrics used to gauge economic strength and the picture of U.S. economic stature they paint. Discuss how statistics around international trade could help develop appropriate policy solutions for the challenges at hand. Presenter Ambassador Ross Wilson served as American ambassador to Turkey in 2005-08 and to Azerbaijan in 2000-03. In 2010-2014, Ambassador Wilson served as director of the Atlantic Council's Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center, where he led the Council's work on the former Soviet states, Turkey and regional energy and economic issues.
Tue, April 11, 6:30–8 pm
Galaxie Library
Saudi Arabia in Transition
The Saudi Arabian government is attempting to transform the country while also struggling to adjust to the drastic decline in oil revenue. Bipartisan criticism of Saudi Arabia is rising in Congress. Both countries need each other, but they are at a crossroads in bilateral relations. Presenter Molly Hayes served as the State Department's counterterrorism advisor for East Africa, desk officer for Kenya, Morocco, Western Sahara and Tunisia, and assistant to the Coordinator for Counterterrorism.
Tue, April 25, 6:30–8 pm
Galaxie Library