#Discuss Foreign Policy & Global Issues
The mission of the Foreign Policy Association today, as it has been for over 100 years, is to serve as a catalyst for developing awareness, understanding, and informed opinion on U.S. foreign policy and global issues. That's why they created Great Decisions, America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Every year, eight topics are chosen by a panel of experts and discussed in libraries, schools and community centers across the United States. Each meeting begins with a 20-minute video lecture on a topic, followed by a facilitator-led discussion with a local subject-matter expert.
2025 Discussion Topics & Schedule
Most meetings will be held from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at the following locations:
- Charles Webb Wesconnett Regional Library (6887 103rd Street)
- Pablo Creek Regional Library (13295 Beach Blvd)
- Southeast Regional Library (10599 Deerwood Park Blvd)
Register by clicking the title for each topic:
- American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads with Bailey Sellers — Tuesday, January 21
- U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy with Dr. Russell Triplett — Monday, January 27
- U.S.-China Relations with Dr. Will Miller — Wednesday, January 29
- American Foreign Policy in the Middle East with Patrick Connell — Thursday, February 6
- The Future of NATO and European Security with Richard Reiter — Wednesday, February 26
Meeting dates to be announced:
- India: Between China, the West, and the Global South
- International Cooperation on Climate Change
- AI and American National Security
Attend whichever meetings interest you!
Find the full list of our Great Decisions 2025 meetings using this LINK.
Be the first to know about upcoming adult programs!
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 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.
Note: The Great Decisions 2025 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.
