DiscussionQuestions:
Question 1: Marijuana is often called a “gateway drug” that leadsto other addictions such as alcohol, nicotine, and “harder” drugs. However, several states in the US have legalized marijuana for medical use and a few for recreational use in small quantities. If you were a police officer in the United States, would you advocatelegalization? Is marijuana really a gateway drug? What could the long-term effects of legalization be?
Question 2: Eight nations have successfully detonate nuclear weapons and severalothers are believed to have them. Only one country has ever developed nuclear weapons and then dismantledthem. Many nuclear powers feel that the world will be safer by limiting the development of nuclear weapons in other countries. Countries involved in regional conflicts feel that nuclear weapons make them safer and prevent conventional wars. To what extent is it possible to limitthe spread of nuclear technology and fissionablematerials? How could this be managed? Do you feel that the possession of nuclear weapons by majorcountriesin theGulf regionwould make the Middle East more or less stable?
Question 3: The vast majority of scientists agree that climate change is occurring and accelerating. Saudi Arabia is particularlyvulnerable with fragile ecosystems and reliance on non-renewable water resources. A recent survey indicates that most Saudis believe that they will be affected by climate change. How do you think Saudi Arabia is vulnerable and how would you suggest preparing for the coming changes.
Question 4: Cyberespionage is an extension of traditional espionage. It allows hostile actors to steal information remotely, cheaply, and on an industrial scale. It can be done with little risk to intelligence officers and agents. Globally, how serious is the threat of cyberepsionageat the moment? What can nations do to protect themselves from attacks? Are cyberespionagemissions against neighboring countries ethicallyand legally responsible?
