Sandy Epstein
April marks this year’s final month of meetings for SaddleBrooke Great Decisions. Our last meeting will be convening on Monday, April 6, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Mountainview East Ballroom.
The final topic of discussion for 2026 will be U.S. Engagement in Africa. Discussion questions will reflect information gleaned from the Foreign Policy Association (FPA) article and video about Africa’s growing geopolitical role. What lessons can the United States learn from China’s presence there? What are some ways to strengthen ties with Nigeria and other leading nations and what tools of statecraft might the U.S bring to its engagement with Africa?
The Foreign Policy Association has produced videos to accompany the 2026 topics called “Master Classes.” Each of the videos is uploaded at sbgreatdecisions.wordpress.com—the SaddleBrooke Great Decisions web site. As a review, videos this year focused on Multilateral Institutions, World Economics, Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy, Nuclear Proliferation, Ukraine, Human Rights and International Law, and Africa. There may also be additional references as well as materials provided by some of our presenters to go along with each video.
A huge thank you goes out to all of this year’s presenters: Hara Lipman, John Sohikian, Lockwood Carlson, Mark Schwartz, Mel Durchsla, and Barbara Schaepe. Each of these people brought their perspective on the topic and helped enhance our understanding of the issue. Each took questions and rotated between discussion groups to offer further insights. All of our meetings were interesting and informative because of personal expertise and interest.
Great Decisions will begin again in January, 2027. Members should watch their emails for an announcement in the fall. At that time, you will be given an opportunity to reserve a FPA Briefing Book to be paid for upon delivery sometime before our first meeting. The Briefing Book is our “textbook” for each meeting’s agenda.
For new and old members alike, the SaddleBrooke Chapter is always looking for more participation. Watch for the Foreign Policy Association list of 2027 issues. They should be announced to all members in August. If you have expertise or curiosity about one of next year’s topics, you may want to be one of our presenters. As a presenter you can give a formal talk or help to create discussion questions related to the topic. You do not have to be a member to be a presenter.
Finally, it must be said that the success of the 2026 Great Decisions is due in large part to the hard work of our Convener, Barbara Schaepe, and the dedication of all our board members: Karen Carlberg, Sandy Epstein, Bob Hoff, Hara Lipman, George Delzell, Sherry Kaplan, Mark Schwartz, John Sohikian, Sharon Hof, and Rhoda Kaplan. Thanks for all your hard work!
If you have any questions or need further information about SaddleBrooke Great Decisions please email Barbara Schaepe at saddlebrookegreatdecisions@outlook.com or check out our website.