Great Decisions - Jay Shahidi on NATO’s Future

Wednesday, June 12 

5:30 pm Social 

6:00 pm Presentation

7:15 pm Dinner

The program is free, if you wish to have dinner following the program, please see menu and make a reservation HERE.

NATO, the North American Treaty Organization, was formed in 1949 as a joint military defense force to prevent the spread of Soviet communism in Europe after WWII. Since  the end of the Cold War in 1991, the number of members has grown from 19 to 32. The  Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, became a marketing opportunity  for NATO, leading even the traditionally neutral countries of Finland and Sweden to  decide to join out of fear of possible Russian incursion. Why did this happen? Has the  US policy of NATO expansion been effective, or is it driving some allies to align themselves with Russia and its backers? 

Mehr “Jay” Shahidi is an international affairs researcher, public speaker, opinion  writer, lobbyist, consultant, and human rights activist. He has published  dozens of opinion articles and given over 1,200 public speeches on  social-political issues. In 2004, he received the Distinguished  Alumni Humanitarian Award from Minnesota State University,  Mankato, for his work on diplomacy and peace-building, public education, refugee assistance, landmine removal, population stabilization, environmental protection, economic development, and nuclear disarmament. His work continues today through M.J. Shahidi Business Consulting Co., a private company providing organizing and management services to and advocacy for small businesses and civic and charitable groups.