Sandy Epstein
SaddleBrooke Great Decisions started its 2026 season in January with presentations and discussions. Groups discussed Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World. Hara Lipman presented background information to help with the discussion of Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy. The next three meetings focus on topics related to Trump Foreign Policy, China, and Nuclear Proliferation. All meetings are held on Monday afternoons in various locations at the MountainView clubhouse. Meetings start at 3 p.m. Dates, times, and topics of the remaining 2026 meetings are listed below, but watch for a notice in case of changes due to room availability.
Feb. 9, 3 to 5 p.m., West Ballroom. America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy. Presenter: John Sohikian. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0, a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership.
Feb. 23, 3 to 5 p.m., Catalina Room. U.S.-China Relations. Presenter TBA. What are America’s strategic options, considering relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Will tariffs on rare earth minerals be effective? Does Trump have a coherent policy?
March 9, 3 to 5 p.m., East Ballroom. The Future of NATO and European Security. Presenter: Lockwood Carlson. 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 make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
March 23, 3 to 5 p.m., West Ballroom. Ukraine and the Future of European Security. Discussion leader: Mark Schwartz. With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine and its intention to reduce its security role in Europe, what are America’s stakes in these dilemmas?
March 30, 3 to 5 p.m. The Future of Human Rights and International Law. Discussion leader: Mel Durchslag. 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 13, 3 to 5 p.m. U.S. Engagement in Africa. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence in Africa, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria?
In preparation for the meeting, members are encouraged to read a pertinent chapter in the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) briefing book. The FPA-produced briefing book can be ordered on the Tucson Great Decisions website at tgda.org in the “Materials” section. The meeting format consists of viewing a documentary film with context provided by a Great Decisions presenter, discussing issues in small groups, and sharing group insights. Following each meeting, the FPA video will be available on our website.
Membership in SaddleBrooke Great Decisions is $5 per year, payable at meetings. Further information, including dates and topics, is on the SaddleBrooke Great Decisions website at www.sbgreatdecisions.wordpress.com. The Foreign Policy Association’s website is www.fpa.org.