The public is invited to the third annual public event designed to promote engaging discussion held by Del Mar-Leucadia Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-3 p.m. at Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Encinitas.
This year the discussion topic is based on Robert Kagan’s The Jungle Grows Back book, chosen by the Del Mar-Leucadia AAUW branch as the 2026 Book Worthy of Serious Discussion. A social/chat time starts at 1 p.m. followed by the discussion at 1:30 p.m. focused on consequences of America’s role in the world led by branch member Carol Pletcher, Ph.D., according to a news release.
In The Jungle Grows Back Kagan states, “A world order is a set of ideas about how the world should be and a roadmap for a country’s foreign policy. The present world order is characterized by liberalism, democracy, and capitalism, not because this is good, right, or better; but because the most powerful nation in the world since 1945 has been a liberal democratic capitalist country.”
AAUW-DML Branch welcomes all to discuss the existential dilemma that Kagan describes, “The liberal world order is not preordained nor destined by higher powers. The real choice, we Americans face is between maintaining the liberal world order, with all the moral and material costs. Or letting it collapse!”
The discussion questions can be previewed at: shorturl.at/Trze6
AAUW is a national organization that advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Membership in AAUW is open to anyone with a 2-year college degree or higher. AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership, the news release states.
AAUW Del Mar-Leucadia Branch serves coastal San Diego County communities and reflects the varied interests of its members with programs open to the public and special interest groups such as Great Decisions, casual dining, three book groups, a bridge group, and Explore SD, a group that enjoys local attractions and events. New members are always welcome.
This AAUW branch provides scholarships for local college students and for local middle school girls who are chosen to attend AAUW’s Tech Trek, a STEM camp for girls. The branch also supports national AAUW. For more information, visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net or contact Rebecca Hill at: membership@aauwdml.org.
Carol Pletcher, Ph.D., facilitator
(Carol Pletcher)