The next Great Decisions meeting will be held Sept. 19 from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the Cook County Community Center in Grand Marais.
Mary McCormick will lead the discussion of the topic “Myanmar & Southeast Asia.” Mary is an attorney who practices international law. She is a member of the St. Paul/ Minneapolis Committee on Foreign Relations and a prominent Minneapolis Great Decisions group.
How could the repressive military government foster the transition to freedom, economic development and civilian government without allowing ethnic and religious tensions to threaten Myanmar’s cohesion and security? How serious are ethnic conflicts within Myanmar? How strongly should the U.S. support the Myanmar government efforts to liberalize, shift the basis of power from military to civilian rule and transform the nation? What strategic value could Myanmar become to U.S. interests? Should we be supporting democracy there? Should we encourage western investors and businesses to invest? Should we continue to loosen sanctions?
Attendees are encouraged to read the 2013 Briefing Book essay on “Myanmar” as well as any other materials in order to actively participate in the conversation.
A contribution is requested to support Mary McCormick’s travel expenses. An envelope will be circulated during the meeting.
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