Registration is now open for 2023 Great Decisions sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association! PCFR and Global Ties Arizona have partnered again this year to bring the program and materials at no cost to our members.

PCFR members loved participating in Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions series in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Here is what PCFR member Charles Blum had to say about the program:

“Great Decisions and PCFR are a perfect match. This program provides an ideal platform for informed discussion, deeper insights into current issues and greater appreciation for the insights and experiences of our members.”

Over the next 12 months, PCFR members who participate in this small discussion group will have the opportunity to dive deep on 8 of the most critical issues facing U.S. foreign policy makers.

Prior to each virtual session throughout the calendar year, participants will read a chapter from the Great Decisions Briefing Book and watch the associated video. Each session will feature a subject-matter expert and members have the opportunity to participate in the group discussions. PCFR member Charles Blum will moderate the series.

PCFR and Global Ties Arizona are covering the cost of the Great Decisions Briefing Book (a $35 value) for PCFR members and GTAZ participants. Be sure to save your spot.

Sign up fast, Great Decisions is limited to 20 PCFR members!

Iran at a Crossroads

February 15, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

What is the future for relations between Iran and the U.S.? By the fall of 2022, Iran was in a state of turmoil due to widespread protests against government-enforced wearing of the hijab, a failing economy, an ineffective new president, and the looming succession of the country’s leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. Abroad, renewal of the Iran nuclear deal seemed doubtful and tensions remain high between Iran, Israel, and Arab states. Many Iranians have lost hope of a better future, and the country seems at a crossroads. How should the United States deal with it?

Politics in Latin America

March 21, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

What does the emergence of various left-wing governments mean for countries in Latin America? Electoral results in Latin America over the past four years have led many observers of the regional/political scene to discern a left-wing surge in the hemisphere, reminiscent of the so-called “Pink Tide” that swept the area some 20 years ago. But how much do these politicians actually have in common? What implication does their ascendency have for the region?

War Crimes

April 18, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

What is a war crime? How does this definition apply to recent events in Ukraine? Russia's invasion of Ukraine has resulted in widespread charges of war crimes and calls for justice. But what exactly are war crimes? Opinions of what constitutes a war crime have evolved, as have ways to identify and punish the perpetrators. How will the war crimes committed in Ukraine be dealt with?

China and the U.S.

May 23, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

How will the United States respond to China's growing global presence? For the past ten years, the United States and China have been locked in a competition for who has the greatest global influence. One major point of contention is the status of Taiwanese sovereignty, which has become even more relevant recently with the possibility that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may prompt China to take similar action regarding Taiwan. How will the United States engage a China which is increasingly seeking to expand its sphere of influence?

Economic Warfare

June 20, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

What comprises economic warfare? How have these measures been used recently against Russia? Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?

Global Famine

September 19, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

What causes famine? How can it be prevented in the future? Fears of global food shortages have followed Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has disrupted grain shipments from the major grain producer. But what about countries and regions that were suffering before this impending shortage? How is famine defined, and how is it different from simple food shortages? What if any remedies are there?

Energy Geopolitics

October 17, 2023, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm MT

How will changes in the energy industries impact relations between countries? Access to oil and gas has long held an influence over the politics of individual nations and their relations with others. But as more countries move toward sustainable energy, and supply chain shortages affect the availability of oil and gas, how will this change the way in which the United States interacts with the outside world?