Saturday marks the opening session of this year’s Great Decisions lecture series, to be held Jan. 22
through Feb. 26 at the Wood County Senior Center, 305 N. Main, Bowling Green.
The series, which features Bowling Green State University professors as speakers, is co-sponsored by the
Bowling Green branch of the American Association of University Women, Bowling Green Woman’s Club, and
Wood County Committee on Aging.
Breakfast is served at 8:45 a.m., with the lectures following from 9:30 to 11.
This weekend’s speaker will be Dr. Candace Archer on the subject "Responding to the Financial
Crisis." As an immediate response to the financial crisis of 2007-08, governments around the world
stepped in to bail out troubled private banks deemed "too big to fail," underscoring the
interdependence between private and public finances. With the recent eurozone crisis, what have we
learned so far and is it possible to ensure that future crises will not occur?
Jan. 29: Dr. Marc Simon – "Sanctions and Non-proliferations." Sanctions have been created to
curb nations in violation of international law, especially regarding nuclear nonproliferation. Is there
any chance sanctions can curtail North Korea and Iran from continuing to develop nuclear weapons?
Feb. 5: Dr. Neil Englehart – "Horn of Africa" and security concerns related to internal
instability, weak governments in some countries, regional rivalries and an environment conducive to
terrorism. Can the U.S. protect its national interests while mitigating the dangerous conditions in the
region?
Feb. 12: Dr. Gary Hess – "U.S. National Security" and how has it evolved since 9/11 in areas
such as cyberterrorism, tightening border security and attempting to snuff out homegrown terrorism?
Feb. 19: Dr. Geoff Howes – "Germany Ascendant." Germany has emerged from both the financial
crisis and the eurozone crisis as the dominant economic and political power in Europe, in particular
setting the tone for dealings with Russia, Eastern Europe and Iran. How important is it for U.S.
interests to enhance relations with Germany?
Feb. 26: Dr. Ron Rowney – "The Caucasus." The countries of this region all have strong national
identities but have long lived in the shadow of their larger neighbors, Russia, Iran and Turkey. How do
the region’s energy resources play into its relations with the outside world?
Advance registration is required for both breakfast and the lecture sessions. Call (419) 353-5661 or
1-800-367-4935. Study books, at $20, are available but not required.