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# Discuss the World at Your Library

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, happening in libraries, community centers, and schools around the country. It's a great way to learn the history behind some of the most critical issues facing America around the globe and discuss how all of that impacts foreign policy decisions. Each meeting begins with a 20-minute video lecture on a topic, followed by a facilitator-led discussion with a local subject-matter expert.

The first "Great Decisions" group was launched in Portland, Oregon in 1954 by the Foreign Policy Association's Vice President, Roger Mastrude. Based on the so-called "Avon" model of face-to-face, active, and informal conversation, participants would read a fact sheet on each of the eight topics before meetings, where they then aired their respective views and opinions. FPA would tally up opinion ballots and report the results to the Department of State. The program soon gained national media attention.

The grassroots, face-to-face model adopted by Great Decisions more than 60 years ago continues today, providing background information and policy options on eight issues, chosen by a panel of experts. With tens of thousands of participants annually taking part in discussions nationwide, it strives to help communities and their leaders prepare for an increasingly interconnected world.

2024 Discussion Topics & Schedule (February - May)

Register by clicking the title for each meeting:

• U.S.-China Trade Rivalry with Will Miller, PhD — Wednesday, February 7
• Pandemic Preparedness — with Hanadi Hamadi, PhD — Wednesday, February 28
• NATO’s Future with Mary Avery, Senior Diplomatic Fellow at UNF — Thursday, March 28
• Understanding Indonesia with Ronald Lukens-Bull, PhD — Wednesday, April 3
• Science Across Borders with Jasmine McNealy, PhD — Thursday, April 11
• Climate Technology and Competition with Stephanie Morse, M.A. — Wednesday, May 8
• Mideast Realignment — (TBA)
• High Seas Treaty — (TBA)

Attend whichever meetings interest you!  

Find the full list of our Great Decisions 2024 meetings using this LINK.

Join the Discussion

Most meetings will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:

• Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library (6887 103rd Street)
• Highlands Regional Library (1826 Dunn Avenue)
• Pablo Creek Regional Library (13295 Beach Blvd)
• Southeast Regional Library (10599 Deerwood Park Blvd)

Some Recommended Reading

If you'd like to prepare for a discussion topic in advance or if you'd like to go even more in-depth afterward, check out these books from the Library. Some of the titles in this list are also available instantly on Hoopla! 

Note: The Great Decisions 2024 Briefing Book, a companion book to the discussion series, is available for pre-order online for $35 from the Foreign Policy Association but is not necessary for participation in the program.