All  are invited to join the Great Decisions 2026 Program sponsored by the League. There will be nine meetings at 7:00 p.m. starting on February 24, 2026 held via Zoom, and continuing for the remaining 8 months on the 4th Tuesday each month.

  Participants who RSVP will receive the Zoom link by email.  Click to reserve your place!

This year LWV Washington County has decided to offer the Great Decisions program FREE to its members.

In 2026 we will once again ask participants to purchase their own study materials. Last year they were released in electronic form for readers (like Kindle or Nook, etc.) at a big cost savings ($35.00 plus shipping for paper vs. $24.99 for Kindle). 

• The links below for E-book versions of the briefing book will be provided soon! Click to follow the link to download from these providers: 
  Amazon/Kindle
  Apple Books
  Nook (Barnes and Noble)
  Rakuten Kobo
  Scribd
  Vivlio (EU); or
• To purchase a paper copy now.

GREAT DECISIONS 2026 TOPICS:

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

Check out the Great Decisions web site at http://www.fpa.org/great_decisions/