A new adult learning group at the Hagaman Memorial Library is hosting regular “Great Decisions Foreign Policy” discussion sessions, where attendees can discuss a variety of topics related to current American foreign policy and global political issues.

The group’s most recent took place on Nov. 29 in its usual meeting place at the DeMayo Room, with the topic of discussion being Drug Policy in Latin America.

The group, led by David Thomas, started holding discussion sessions in September, in response to global conflicts and issues including the Russian-Ukrainian War. According to Cynthia Gwiazda, community services librarian at Hagaman, there was a need felt by the library for insightful and serious conversations to be a part of the library’s programming.

“We wanted to get some discussion about foreign policy issues. Originally, when the war in Ukraine started happening, I had spoken to David how and we had talked about him doing a talk, because of his background, about that specific topic,” Gwiazda said. “Then, I was talking to my director and he told me about this Foreign Policy Association website, and they have a program called ‘Great Decisions.’”

Great Decisions, is a national, civic-education program that is sponsored by the non-profit Foreign Policy Association, dedicated to inspiring and educating the American public on international affairs, and spreading awareness of global issues and understanding of them.

Through the discussion program, participants receive a briefing book containing articles on some of the most critical international issues facing the United States and the global community, according to Gwiazda. In an informal face-to-face setting, participants will expand their knowledge of U.S. foreign policy activities and ideology, their intertwining with issues facing nations around the world, and have the opportunity to share and be an ear to multiple viewpoints on those issues and ideas on how to best solve them.

Based on articles in their briefing books, topics up for discussion have ranged from changing demographics, climate change, outer space, Russo-American relations, political strife in Myanmar, and Chinese foreign policy.

Approached by Hagaman based on his background, Thomas said that the Library’s commitment to hosting knowledgeable, insightful intellectual discussions and expanding programming was a significant draw for him to become part of the ‘Great Decisions’ sessions.

“I was volunteering at the Library, and because of all my education, they came to me and said, ‘would you be interested in leading these discussions?’ And I said ‘Sure.’ I’m interested in anything I can for the Library,” Thomas said. “I actually read through the book and I found all of the articles and all of the chapters and discussions well worth doing. I thought that we could get enough people to come in and have the discussions, and have spirited discussions, intellectual discussions, which is what the Library is always looking for.”

Thomas has an extensive academic resume, holding multiple degrees in political science, law, and environmental science, all of which made him a good choice for being the facilitator of the discussion sessions.

“I’m glad to do anything for the Library,” Thomas said. “Cindy chose me, and I said, ‘Certainly!’ I would be more than happy. Public speaking doesn’t bother me. I’ve given lectures at UConn [University of Connecticut] and Harvard. I somewhat know how to direct a crowd of people and get them back on topic.”

But while giving lectures leverages itself to being a leadership role, Thomas does not see his role as the leader of the ‘Great Decisions’ sessions, but merely as someone to help begin and encourage conversations amongst participants with their diverse viewpoints, owning up to his Library-given title as the ‘facilitator.’

“[It’s] a ‘pseudo-lecture’ if you will. It’s not really a lecture. I facilitate by asking questions and at times diverting some of the discussion back to what the topic is,” he said. “I always give my notes from the notes from the article, right, wrong, and different. Missed something, didn’t miss something, just to get people thinking about the article.”

Thomas sees that discussion on American foreign policy and international issues are very important topics to discuss in an intimate setting as established at the DeMayo Room.

“I enjoy these discussions. I think it’s a great time. The discussions are spirit, and a lot comes out. We were talking about the Drug War and immigration, and there’s some topics that we end up on, which I think is good, things that people want to talk about,” Thomas said.

At the group’s most discussion session, the seven attendees shared their varying perspectives on the topic of Latin American drug policies and their histories, including its infusion in the ongoing American-led War on Drugs campaign, and the socio-political and economic consequences and networks that have been exhibited and established through them. Participants expressed their concerns on the number of effects the War on Drugs has had on American citizens, taking positions from public health, political, and human-based perspectives. After detailing their views and concerns on everything from criminal justice reform, governmental response, and drug addiction, Thomas concluded the discussion by inquiring each participant to formulate their own drug policy.

Thomas said that amongst the several topics that have been discussion subjects, the political and economic system of Russia under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin generated the most lively conversation when it was the main focus, primarily due to the violent conflict in Ukraine, where the discussion led.

Although it has been mainly adults who have participated, Thomas said he would like to see younger people arrive at the session as well.

“I would love to see the younger people come. High school or college students. Unfortunately, it's a difficult time for them,” Thomas said. "At times, being a teenager, they don’t want to come to a discussion at the library because they think it’s all adults. We have several colleges around. I think reaching out, especially to the college students, perhaps they're taking a course in political science or sociology. Something like could maybe help them write a paper.”

Ultimately, Thomas expressed hope that conversations such as the ‘Great Decision’ sessions are not only informative but be a good platform for people to have in bringing those conversations to other people.

“My hope is that they learn more about the topic and they can have discussions with other people and teach other people about what the topics were. And, hopefully, as they inform other people, other people may want to get involved in the program.”