Great Decisions Be Prepared to Discuss the World!
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The Foreign Policy Association produces the Great Decisions briefing materials and groups all across the country meet locally to discuss eight critical issues facing the US over eight weeks. Participation in the program involves reading chapters in the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watching the video series and meeting in small groups to discuss these critical issues.
Great Decisions Discussion Groups
SCWA is sponsoring several Great Decisions discussion groups during our 2025- 2026 season. One eight-week session took place in the Fall of 2025, and a second took place in early 2026. Now you have the opportunity to register for our Spring offering.
Upcoming 2026 Great Decisions Discussion Groups
Our second Great Decisions group of 2026 will meet on Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30 at the Learning Center from April 1st through May 20th. Details regarding the eight topics covered are listed further down this page. Todd Gerken, a member of the SCWA Board of Directors, will facilitate this group discussion.
Registration is now open for this second Great Decisions discussion group, and will take place only through The Learning Center. The cost is| $50 for SCI/Learning Center members and $100. for non-members. This discussion group is limited to 25 participants. Once you register, purchase your Great Decisions Briefing Book for 2026 from the Foreign Policy Association.
Our third Great Decisions group will meet in the fall, again at The Learning Center. The specific dates and times of the fall session will be announced here later. Your costs for participating in one of these two groups depends on whether you are a member of The Learning Center.
2026 Great Decisions Topics Just Announced!
America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
By G. John Ikenberry
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.
Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
By Michael Mastanduno
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?
U.S. China Relations
By Oriana Mastro
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?
Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
By Gideon Rose
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?
Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Thomas Wright
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership?
Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.
U.S. Engagement of Africa
By Jendayi E. Frazer
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?
The Future of Human Rights and International Law
By Jose Enrique Alvarez
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?