Great Decisions
Dates and Topics (for 2026 classes. This will be updated when the 2026 season is available)
The Great Decisions 2026 Program will begin on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The 2026 presentations will all begin at 3:00 pm in the Auditorium with participation by Zoom being available. The dates and subjects of these challenging programs are shown below:
February 5 America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
February 12 Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
February 19 US - China Relations
February 26 Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
March 5 Ukraine and the Future of European Security
March 12 Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
March 19 U.S. Engagement of Africa
March 26 The Future of Human Rights and International Law
As in the past, each presentation will begin with introductory comments by Barry Rascovar, followed by a topic-related video. After the video there will be some additional comments by Barry and then the floor will be open for comments, questions, observations, and opinions moderated by Barry. All are invited and encouraged to actively participate in the post-video discussion. Questions? Contact Pete Sugatt.
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A briefing manual will be available to purchase after October 18 and delivered after Thanksgiving.
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Topic Summaries
The topics are a very interesting and very timely collection. Clearly each of the topics will be greatly affected by the events breaking around the world.
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.
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
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.
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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?
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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?
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