Great Decisions: World Affairs Council of Maine

Great Decisions 2026

Library Discussion Series in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Maine!

March 24 – May 19, 2026 | Tuesdays, 3:00 – 4:30 PM 

Join us for the 2026 Great Decisions discussion series! Over nine weeks, we'll engage in thoughtful, facilitated conversations on the most pressing foreign policy challenges facing the United States today.

Each session is led by a World Affairs Council of Maine member with relevant expertise or experience, creating space for informed discussion and diverse perspectives. Whether you're a longtime participant or joining for the first time, we encourage you to sign up today! Space is limited! 

Getting the Most from the Series:
Please plan to attend all scheduled sessions in the series, and be prepared to ask questions and engage with your peers. We encourage participants to obtain a copy of the 2026 Great Decisions Briefing Book, produced by the Foreign Policy Association, in advance so that you can engage thoughtfully with the topic and each other!

How to get the book:

• Purchase directly from the Foreign Policy Association
• Purchase through the World Affairs Council of Maine (email elisabeth@wacmaine.org)
• Borrow a copy from Falmouth Memorial Library for in-library use (there will be three copies on reserve in the reference area). 

We also encourage you to review the topic glossary, additional resources, and any supplementary materials recommended by the session facilitator. During our final wrap up session, we will ask all participants to fill out the National Opinion Ballot and add your voice to this nationwide conversation.

Topics Covered: (note order not yet finalized)

• 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 session explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in this new era of American foreign policy.
• Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy 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?
• U.S.–China Relations Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan dominating the agenda. What does a coherent China policy look like, and what are America's strategic options?
• 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 rethinking the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter how allies and rivals make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
• Ukraine and the Future of European Security With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. What are America's stakes in NATO, what are Europe's strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?
• Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This session examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
• U.S. Engagement of Africa Africa's geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China's presence on the continent, and what tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to strengthen ties with leading nations like Nigeria?
• The Future of Human Rights and International Law As democracy and human rights retreat globally—and the U.S. pulls back from its traditional role—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?
• Series Wrap-Up Our final session brings together themes and insights from across the series. We'll explore connections between the topics, share key takeaways, and complete the National Opinion Ballot together.

Registration is required. Space is limited to 30 participants. Register with the World Affairs Council of Maine at https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/7iPxQCP6laeMvJLQg17O1Q

Questions? Contact us at elisabeth@wacmaine.org

Great Decisions is the largest and longest-running foreign policy discussion program in the United States, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thank you for being part of the conversation!