Great Decisions

Registration for the 2027 Great Decisions program will open in late 2026.

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is the largest nonpartisan public education program on international affairs in the world. Since 1918, the Foreign Policy Association, a sister World Affairs Council, Great Decisions program has been highlighting the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans. This program works to engage citizens by learning about critical global issues and U.S. foreign policy.

Based on the Foreign Policy Association’s annual briefing book on critical foreign policy topics, VCWA’s Great Decisions Discussion Series presents analysis by leading experts in eight sessions throughout the year.

2026 Great Decisions

2026 Speakers coming soon

Topics

America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy

February 5th, 2026

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

February 12th, 2026

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

February 26th, 2026

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

March 5th, 2026

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

March 19th, 2026

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?

Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order

March 26th, 2026

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

April 2nd, 2026

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

April 9th, 2026

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?

“I am a big fan of the World Affairs Council. It's great to see citizens sharing ideas about the world and staying informed"

- 2022 Great Decisions Guest Expert

FAQs

  • The Vermont Council on World Affairs Great Decisions Program is a 9-week course that brings the most serious foreign affairs issues to Vermont and its people.

    Participants will discuss one of the 2026 Great Decisions topics with their cohort and a local, national, or international expert participant during each session.

    Space is limited.

  • Each session, we invite a local, national, or international expert to share their expertise and join the conversation.

  • The 2026 Great Decisions program will be fully virtual.

  • One FPA 2026 Great Decisions Book

    Session pass: all eight discussion sessions*

    Opportunity to hear from and engage with an expert on each of the topics

    *Individual session purchases will open in January 2026

  • Calendar invites will be sent out for each session ahead of time. The Zoom link to join will be sent out no less than 24 hours prior to the start of the session.

  • If you have troubles with your registration, please reach out to info@vcwa.org and we will be happy to help you complete your registration

  • Attendees can register through the Eventbrite above.

    or

    To avoid the Eventbrite transaction fees, please email info@vcwa.org with the subject line Great Decisions Registration and include your full name and phone number. To complete registration, please mail a check (payable to the Vermont Council on World Affairs) to

    50 Lakeside Avenue Box 86

    Burlington, VT 05401

Click below to read more about last year’s Great Decisions Program

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