The 2011 Richard G. Lugar Symposium for Tomorrow's Leaders

Civility.  Has our society lost the ability to be civil? How does civility – or the lack thereof – impact us in our daily lives? Are students and parents as civil as they could be at high school sporting events? Would a more civil society make a difference in the productivity of Congress?

Energy Security.  How does the growing global demand for energy resources impact our national security? With less than 5 percent of the world's population, the United States consumes 25 percent of its oil.  But within 25 years, the world will need 50 percent more energy than it does now. Will the world meet this demand? Is it possible to pursue a multi-pronged strategy?

Indiana’s International Economy.  Indiana companies exported a state-record $28.7 billion in goods last year, and ranked 14th nationwide in export sales. Given this fact, how important are local and state trade missions abroad? How does health of the global economy and the fluctuating value of the dollar affect international trade? How does America’s budget deficit affect our future prosperity as a state and as a country?

Issues in Modern Agriculture.  How does the growing global demand for food resources impact our economic and national security?  Why should you, as an individual, be concerned about food shortages and what impact do they have on the global community both now and in the future? Are genetically modified foods and the idea of sustainability necessarily at two opposite ends of a spectrum? What role can Hoosier farmers, as well as farmers around the world, play in a comprehensive food and security strategy?

Media Responsibility.  Is the competitive pressure of 24-hour news cycles pushing all journalists to become less responsible in their reporting?  Can daily newspapers survive in the computer age?  In what ways are blogs, Twitter, YouTube and programs like “The Daily Show” changing our understanding of news?  Should reporters be protected against revealing confidential sources?

The Effect of Terrorism on Personal Liberty.  Our lives have changed since September 2001 and balancing the protection of citizens’ rights and liberties against peace and security is a continuous constitutional struggle.  To what extent should we tolerate limitations on our freedom for the sake of greater security and personal safety? What role should the Patriot Act provisions play and should they be allowed to expire?

U.S. Leadership in the World.  How closely should the U.S. coordinate foreign policy with the United Nations?  How should the U.S. prioritize foreign policy interests?  How much should we spend on foreign activities?  How should the U.S. deal with the global threat of weapons of mass destruction?