The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Military Alliances

Initiated by:
• Francisco

Details

Here are the videos and discussion questions for this hangout: 1. https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ush22-soc-wim-nato/the-history-of-nato-why-it-matters/ 2. https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/mv15-soc-ush-yorktown2/yorktown-the-french-alliance/ 3. https://www.britannica.com/video/72926/Europeans-fronts-war-1917 4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1El1GVQVdc 5. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/nato-promises-long-term-military-aid-to-ukraine-but-no-timeline-for-membership 6. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/former-ambassador-on-what-was-and-wasnt-accomplished-at-nato-summit 7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZGhP5qdO1k 8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujeBkrQ1z0o 9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp87leGtaEs Reading (Optional): 1. https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/why-nato-has-become-flash-point-russia-ukraine 2. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/09/opinion/ukraine-nato.html Questions: 1. What do you think are the positive and negative effects of military alliances? 2. Do you think the costs of sustaining military alliances outweigh the benefits? 3. Do you think NATO has outlived its original purpose? 4. Though not a formal alliance, China and Russia have forged a friendship with "no limits", according to the leaders of both countries. Is it something we should be alarmed about? What do you think are the global implications of this unholy alliance? 5. NATO expansion has long been a bone of contention between the United States and Russia. Do you think it is a major stumbling block to rapprochement between the two countries? 6. How much and for how long do you think we should help Ukraine? What will be the right scope and extent of the assistance? 7. Should Ukraine sit down at the negotiating table to find a diplomatic solution with Russia to avoid further bloodshed? Or do you think Ukraine should keep fighting to the last man whatever the cost? 8. As things stand now, which country, if any, do you think is a major threat to world peace and security? 9. From your perspective, should Ukraine be part of NATO? Please remember to watch at least a few videos before you arrive since we’ll be discussing them when we begin. Once the hangout begins, everyone will introduce each other and then take turns asking the provided questions in order to keep the discussion on topic. Hangouts typically last 90 minutes, and once the hangout is over you will have the opportunity to add people to your buddytree to organize private hangouts and develop friendships. As always, these hangouts provide the opportunity for a thoughtful, respectful and engaging discussion in a safe space where disrespectful behaviour is not tolerated.