Great Decisions
We offer the Foreign Policy Association’s Great Decisions series to the community in the late winter / early spring each year. If you are interested in participating, please register here by October 26.
We meet once a week for eight weeks to discuss eight important topics. Each member has materials to read prior to our hour-long discussion of the global challenge. All community members are welcome to join our study group. Follow this link to read a past participant’s brief testimonial.
This year’s program brought together engaged citizens from across the Gulf Coast to explore the year’s most pressing global issues and their impact on the United States.
Over the course of eight weeks, participants engaged in lively and thoughtful in-person conversations, deepening their understanding of U.S. foreign policy and forming meaningful connections with fellow community members. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new participants for next year’s program.
The topics for the 2026 series are:
Feb 24, 2026: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy. By G. John Ikenberry
Mar 3, 2026: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics? By Michael Mastanduno
Mar 10, 2026: U.S.-China Relations
Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options? By Oriana Mastro
Mar 24, 2026: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons? By Gideon Rose
Mar 31, 2026: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond? By Thomas Wright
Apr 14, 2026: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance. By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Apr 21, 2026: U.S. Engagement of Africa
Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa? By Jendayi E. Frazer
Apr 28, 2026: The Future of Human Rights and International Law
As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back—how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity? By Jose Enrique Alvarez
