Northern Michigan University will offer the Great Decisions global discussion series in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan. National experts will present weekly critical examinations of the most important foreign policy issues of the day. The goal is to generate provocative discussion and promote awareness, understanding and informed opinion on global issues. The series is free and open to the public.

Each of the following events will begin at 9 a.m. in Hedgcock 2303. After a 30-minute video setting the context for the topic of the week, participants will take part in a live, interactive webinar with the featured presenter webcasting live from Grand Rapids. There will be time for follow-up discussion among local participants following the webinar.

Tuesday, March 10: Retired ambassador Johnnie Carson, assistant secretary of state for Africa, will present “Africa Transforms: Wealth, Technology, Democracy.” The continent is home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a draw for foreign investors. How can U.S. policy live up to its promise while security its interests in the region?

Tuesday, March 17: Ambassador Melvyn Levitsky will present “Brazil: Always on the Edge of Greatness…But Will it Get There?” Brazil is drawing in more investment, expanding its agro-industrial base and exports, and working on issues from climate change to peacekeeping. But a flawed political system, a series of government corruption scandals and deep divisions over how to tackle serious income inequality have held it back. Can Brazil enter the ranks of advanced and thriving democracies?

Tuesday, March 24: Photojournalist Jared Kohler presents “Through the Lens: Lessons from the Syrian Refugee Crisis.” Syrians have welcomed refugees from other countries in its region, but because of a multi-year civil war, they are on track to become the source of the world’s largest refugee population in a matter of months. Kohler reveals the human and political sides of the crisis through his camera lens and follows the challenging journey of the refugee experience.

For more information, contact Kevin Timlin of NMU’s International Programs Office at 227-2510