Sandra Epstein
SaddleBrooke Great Decisions held two meetings in February with a topic introduction and small group conversations. John Sohikian’s presentation on “America and the World: Trump 2.0” created lots of great discussion and thought-provoking scenarios to ponder. Barbara Schaepe provided some very current updates concerning Trump’s tariffs on China and strategies concerning our future relations with that government. The group watched a video provided by the Foreign Policy Association that further enhanced our chapter reading assignment: U.S.-China Relations.
Three meetings focusing on topics related to foreign policy and world affairs are planned for March. They will be held in the MountainView ballrooms on Monday afternoons starting at 3 p.m. Meetings on March 9 and 30 are in the East Ballroom. On March 23 we will meet in the West Ballroom. Watch for a notice in case of changes due to room availability.
Meetings in March are as follows:
March 9, 3 to 5 p.m. East Ballroom. The Future of NATO and European Security. Discussion leader: 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. East Ballroom. 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?
There will be one final meeting on April 13, during which we will discuss U.S. Engagement in Africa.
In preparation for the meeting, members are encouraged to read a pertinent chapter in the Foreign Policy Association briefing book. The FPA-produced briefing book can be ordered on the Tucson Great Decisions website at tgda.org in the “Materials” section. It can also be ordered on Kindle, but be sure you’re ordering the 2026 volume. 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 at www.sbgreatdecisions.wordpress.com.
Membership in SaddleBrooke Great Decisions is $5 a year, payable at meetings. Further information, including dates, topics, and videos, is on the SaddleBrooke Great Decisions website. Additional sources are available at the Foreign Policy Association’s website at www.fpa.org.