GEOPOLITICS COURSE

Welcome to Geopolitics of the Future- 2009-10. This important U3A group will be ‘remodelled’ in 2009 to keep it distinct from the History and Current Affairs groups. It will take an analytical approach to major international and geo-political themes and will look purposefully into the future.

This group has always operated under 3 principles—that numbers should be limited to ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard; that members will offer to give a presentation on a relevant issue, and that while not necessarily an ‘expert’ the presenter will research, organise and introduce the material on the subject so that it provides a good basis for a debate. We will continue with this approach.

However, to enhance the effectiveness of the presentations (30-50 minutes) we will ask presenters, possibly working in pairs, to provide a handout with the key facts and with a number of questions/issues to facilitate the discussion.

The ‘futurology’ part of this process is the most interesting and perhaps the most problematic, so we hope speakers will spend part of their presentations sketching out the main or most likely scenarios and identifying the questions and issues which need further analysis. This will guide the groups’ discussion.

Although the topics for next year have not been finalised (and new ideas are always welcomed) we have a stimulating list of themes to chose from. They include : The Impact of the Economic Crisis; China in Africa; Will India or China be the next Superpower; The Mafia in Russia-Implications for Europe; Real independence for Scotland—so What! , How will Obama deal with the Bush legacy; etc

If you are interested in joining this group please talk to us on Registration Day

R Thomas/ J Irwin