Edina Community Ed

Great Decisions is one of our most popular free adult events. NEW this winter we are offering a Great Decisions Coffee Hour at FRGMNT cafe in Eden Prairie. Some of your favorite Great Decisions speakers have agreed to moderate these informal discussions. It will be a much smaller group and a more informal setting than the Monday night series at the Edina Community Center. Since this coffee hour takes place at a coffee shop participants are strongly encouraged to purchase a coffee or pastry. FRGMNT is located on the ground floor of a modern office building. There are seating areas for larger groups of people spread out around the space, unlike a Starbucks where people are in close proximity to each other. If you have any other questions about this fun and interesting opportunity, please email heather.larson@edinaschools.org Please look for other important info about this experience in your course confirmation email. The dates, times, speakers, and topics are listed here: February 8, 2025, 8:30-10am | Todd Lefko moderates U.S Leadership and the World Economy: Todd is President of the International Business Development Company, brings 35+ years of experience in international relations, specializing in import-export and new technologies. He has published over 700 articles as a columnist for Rossiske Vesti and is on the editorial board of the Russian Historical Reporter. Todd has taught thousands of students at Minnesota universities and lectured globally, from Russia to China. A founder of Global Volunteers and Chair of East-West Connections, Todd’s academic background includes a BA in History, MA in Public Administration, and studies at Harvard. March 8, 2025, 8:30-10am | Robert Scarlett moderates U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy with a focus on Latin America: Robert is in charge of special projects for Hunter Scarlett Consulting. He has a background in international manufacturing & distribution as well as international NGO work. Fluent in English, German, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese. April 5, 2025, 4-5:30 pm | Christi Siver moderates AI and American Security: Christi is a Professor of Political Science at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. She did her undergraduate work at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, her master's in international relations and international economics at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and her Ph.D. in political science at the University of Washington. She teaches courses on international relations and international security. Her current research interests include international humanitarian law, military technology, and comparative law.AI and American Security: The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security? What are its policy options to secure the benefits of AI and guard against its dangers? May 3rd, 2025, 4-5:30pm | Jay Shahidi moderates The Future of NATO and American Security: Jay Shahidi: Mehr “Jay” Shahidi is free-lance international affairs researcher, lobbyist, public speaker, consultant, human rights activist as well as a business owner. Jay has taught Great Decisions Courses for Global Minnesota and Foreign Policy Association since 2005. He is the Advocacy Chair and past president of the United Nations Association of USA, the Harold E. Stassen Chapter in Minnesota which is part of the United Nations Foundation. He also served on the National Council of the organization for three years and in 2019 was presented its Arnold Goodman Lifetime Achievement Award for 54 years of concerted advocacy of the UN mission and for his tireless humanitarian efforts. Jay has been an active member of Amnesty International and Minnesota Peace Project and has done citizen lobbying at all levels of government in US for over 51 years. ______________________________________________________________ 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. 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. ______________________________________________ Please read our Adult Programming Overview page for all info regarding registration, cancellation, and building info. Adult Programs - Edina Community Ed (edinaschools.org) Registration for all class sessions closes 3 days before the start date. Late Registration: If you miss the deadline but are still interested, you can contact the Community Ed office. Space may be limited, but we'll try our best to accommodate late registrations. Email: communityed@edinaschools.org Phone: (952) 848-3952