This photograph was taken by member Robb Evans.
Great Decisions
Great Decisions – Spring 2026
Great Decisions is a discussion forum that follows a curriculum developed by the Foreign Policy
Association (www.fpa.org). The program is supported by the Great Decisions program materials which
presents basic information on each topic. Participants read the topical section for that week, then come
to the sessions to discuss their various points of view with one another. Active participation is
encouraged, but not required.
This spring we will have 4 sessions using the Great Decisions materials and 2 open discussions on current
events – with the topics chosen by the participants. In an age where our political discourse has become
more polarized, Great Decisions provides an excellent opportunity for open, fair, objective discussions -
and helps the participants understand multiple perspectives on these topics.
All of these topics are currently in the news – so discussions can facilitate our roles as informed citizens
and voters!
Here are the spring topics (as described by FPA):
March 12 - 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.
March 19 - 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?
March 26 – Open Discussion
April 2 - 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?
April 9 - 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?
April 16 – Open Discussion
"Knowledge is a process of piling up facts; wisdom lies in their simplification." ~~ Martin H. Fischer