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Great Decisions

Weekly meeting for Great Decisions, America’s largest discussion program on world affairs.

Great Decisions, America’s largest discussion program on world affairs, meets in the Brooks Room weekly on Wednesdays from 4:00 - 5:30, February - March.

The Foreign Policy Association has selected eight critical issues facing the country to be the subjects of conversation. A briefing book is available for participants to read in advance so they can be informed and ready to participate. Participants are encouraged to order their briefing books on the association’s website, fpa.org. One copy of the briefing book will be available at the Service Desk for in-library reading.

Registration for this series is requested, not required. Please call the library  at 413-596-6141 to register.

Here are the topics for 2026:

Feb. 4: 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.

Feb. 11: 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?

Feb. 18: 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?

Feb. 25: 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?

March 4: 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?

March 11: 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. (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

March 18: 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?

March 25: 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?

April 1 is reserved for sessions rescheduled due to inclement weather.

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