The launch of Sputnik 1 in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. in the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space? The Great Decisions program provides background information and policy options for the eight most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the focal text for discussion groups across the country. The Great Decisions program was created by the Foreign Policy Association. The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to serve as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. Through its balanced, nonpartisan programs and publications, the FPA encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process. Todd Lefko, presenter Todd is President of the International Business Development Company, an import-export firm dealing with water purification equipment, kilns, linen, art, and new technologies. He has homes in both Minnesota and Moscow, and has written more than 680 articles, which appeared weekly in Rossiske Vesti, the political newspaper of the Russian Presidential administration, as well as other Russian newspapers. Todd is on the editorial board for the Russian Historical Review, a quarterly journal, as well as being the English editor for four Russian books. Todd has worked in Russia for over 32 years. Todd has taught sociology and urban affairs at the University of Minnesota and political science, international relations, political philosophy, political campaign management, leadership and organizational development at other Minnesota colleges. He has lectured at universities in Russia, China, Germany, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan. He has an M.A. in Public Administration and coursework for a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and has studied public policy as Bush Fellow at Harvard and urban planning at the University of Manchester, England. He is one of the founders of Global Volunteers and has been their Treasurer and representative at the United Nations and serves on their Board of Trustees. Todd has also been a member of the Twin Cities Metropolitan Council, The Regional Transit Board, and the Minnesota Experimental City Authority. He is currently Chairperson of the Russian-American Business and Culture Council. This program is brought to the community through a partnership with the Edina Senior Center, the Edina Library and Edina Community Ed. The Friends of the Edina Library and Global Minnesota have graciously co-sponsored this program.
