This study group meets via Zoom biweekly starting in mid-January 2026 to discussion one of the topics listed below.

 

There is no registration fee to join. The only expense is the purchase of the Great Decisions Briefing Book which costs approximately $35.

 

The Olympia Great Decisions Study Group is recruiting 10-12 new members to join the group in 2026. Each group member will be asked to volunteer to lead one of the topic discussions listed below. All group members are encouraged to engage in the group discussion on the topic being presented.

 

If you are interested in joining the Study Group, please contact Gary Walker at 360.870.1732 or walkersolympia@comcast.net.  

 

Prepare to Discuss The World

 

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. Participants read the Great Decisions Briefing Book, watch the videos and meet with members of their community to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.

 

Discuss the most critical issues facing America today.

 

Great Decisions is produced by the Foreign Policy Association, which has been encouraging nonpartisan discussion on U.S. foreign policy for over 100 years. The program gives citizens the opportunity to learn about some of the most critical global issues facing America today. After the program, the FPA gathers participants’ feedback to create a national opinion ballot report, which is shared with members of Congress.

 

 

The Foreign Policy Association is pleased to announce the topic selections for Great Decisions 2026.

 

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.

By G. John Ikenberry

 

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?

By Michael Mastanduno

 

 

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?

By Oriana Mastro

 

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?

By Gideon Rose

 

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.

By Scott Bessent (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

 

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?

By Jendayi E. Frazer

 

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?

By Jose Enrique Alvarez