New Members to the Board
Paul Florcruz
Debbie Coughlin
Robert Fiore
Troy Johnson

Great Decisions Foreign Policy Discussion Group
Sundays, February 12, 19, 26,March 4, 11, 18, 25 & April 1, 2012

3:30PM -5:00PM

The Metropolitan Republican Club will be hosting the 2012 Great Decisions Discussion group for 8 weeks every Sunday** at the clubhouse.   For those of you who are interested in discussing and learning more about foreign affairs, the Great Decisions Discussion group includes a briefing book and program researched and published by the Foreign Policy Association.  Great Decisions places the thematic or geographic issue in historical context and provides background, current policies and alternative policy options.  Discussion questions, annotated reading suggestions and additional resources, 
including websites, are provided.  A moderator is present every week to help guide the Study group through each topic.

$20 covers the cost of the briefing book and the 8 week program.  The Briefing book will be available for purchase at the clubhouse every Sunday from Feb 12 – April 1^st prior to the discussion.  We accept Cash or check only. Please email mail@metclubnyc.org or call 212-288-8606 if you are interested in joining the discussion group.

Below are the 2012 Great Decision discussion topics:

Middle East realignment
by Augustus Richard Norton
The popular revolts and upheaval of the Arab Spring have radically changed the face of the Middle East. What lies ahead for the Middle East’s transition to democracy? What are the prospects for the governments that have held out in this new order? With many longtime U.S. allies ousted, how will the U.S. recalibrate its relations with the new regimes?

Promoting democracy
by Larry Diamond
The U.S. has had a history of advancing and supporting democracy around the world. What place does democracy promotion have in U.S. foreign policy today? With a choice of tools ranging from economic aid to military force, what are the appropriate yet effective methods that the U.S. should use to promote democracy? 

Mexico
by George Grayson
Mexico’s border with Central America, as well as the border it shares with the U.S., has been a pathway for people, goods, crime and contraband in both directions. How can Mexico address these transborder challenges? What is the future of Mexico’s relations with its northern and southern neighbors? How will Mexico’s foreign relations affect its domestic politics? 

Cybersecurity
by Ronald Deibert
The securitization of cyberspace has caused a sea change for both governments and the private sector, faced with new threats, new battlegrounds and new opportunities. Faced with challenges such as international cybercrime and authoritarian control of networks, how will the U.S. and its democratic allies approach the cyber frontier? How does this new domain figure in U.S. strategic interests?

Exit from Afghanistan & Iraq
by Michael E. O’Hanlon
Ten years after September 11, 2001, the U.S. is winding down its military commitment in Iraq and slowly pulling out of Afghanistan. What exit strategy will help Afghanistan and Iraq build stable democratic nations? How can the U.S. continue to achieve its counterterrorism goals? What is the role of the U.S. in the future of the Middle East?

State of the oceans 
by Sara Tjossem
The world’s oceans are essential to life on earth, and are tremendously sensitive to global climate change. What are the consequences of climate change on oceanic factors like biodiversity, sea levels and extreme weather systems? How can the U.S. and its international partners address the emerging challenges to this shared resource? 

Indonesia
by James Castle
Having emerged from authoritarianism in the last 15 years, Indonesia has made remarkable strides politically, economically and socially. Yet the new, democratic Indonesia is still a developing country facing considerable challenges. How can Indonesia continue its path of growth, reform and prosperity? What is Indonesia’s role in the global community?

Energy geopolitics
by William Sweet
The energy markets have been shaken by the instability of Middle East oil and the vulnerability of nuclear power. Moreover, developing countries like China are becoming bigger energy consumers, while energy producers like Russia see the opportunity to widen their influence. In this changed landscape, how will the U.S.’s energy needs affect its relations with other nations?