Sandy Epstein
SaddleBrooke Great Decisions looks forward to insightful 2026 programs on key U.S. foreign policy issues. Meetings, held on Mondays from 3 to 5 p.m., usually in the MountainView East Ballroom, run from January through March. Exact dates and rooms should be finalized and communicated in December.
Meetings include viewing a Foreign Policy Association documentary film with context provided by a Great Decisions member, discussing issues in a small group, and sharing insights. Beforehand, members can read an expert-authored overview in the briefing book published by the Foreign Policy Association. The briefing book also has a list of other suggested resources.
Topics and discussion leaders follow. We lack leaders for several topics. Leaders can help in one of two ways: by creating a 10- to 20-minute presentation or by introducing three or four questions, selected and perhaps modified from the briefing book, that our small groups can discuss. If you’d like to lead one of those discussions, contact Barb Schaepe at barbschaepe@gmail.com.
America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy. Discussion leader: John Sohikian
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. Discussion leader: Hara Lippman
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. Discussion leader: TBD
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. Discussion leader: Lockwood Carlson
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. Discussion leader: Mark Schwartz
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. Discussion leader: TBD
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. Discussion leader: TBD
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. Discussion leader: Mel Durchslag
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?
For additional information about Great Decisions, go to either of the following websites:
SaddleBrooke Great Decisions: www.sbgreatdecisions.wordpress.com
Foreign Policy Association: www.fpa.org