Great Decision Series 2025
Great Decisions is America’s largest discussion program on world affairs. The program provides background information and policy options for the most critical issues facing America each year and serves as the starting place for dialogue and discussion within the community. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) each year selects eight topics. Our Council develops a discussion series featuring those topics with complementary material provided by the FPA. It is our longest-running and largest community program on global issues.
Tuesday Evenings 6:00-7:30pm (EST)
February 4 through March 25
Receptions occur between 5:00-6:15pm before each program
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Free and open to the public. No registration needed. Free parking available.
Livestream options available by registering for each program on our website (you'll receive the link via email).
This content is from World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, "Great Decisions".
February 4th
Strengthening Democracies’ Hand: Rebuilding Economy at Home & Allyshoring Abroad with John Austin
To effectively counter economic competition, global security threats, and assaults on the rules-based global order from authoritarian nations, democratic allies must work together as never before and push the adoption and integration of two core strategies: building stronger domestic economies — through investments in people, innovation and infrastructure; and doing so through allyshoring (expanded trade, co-production and supply chain relations with countries that share our values and interest in strengthening the rules based international order).
Mr. Austin will discuss how the US and allied nations—with President Trump back in office– can check authoritarians and continue to forge allied economic strength and collective security.
February 11th
Power and Climate Change: How Inequality Impedes Effective International Collaboration with Miriam Gay-Antaki
This program will examine the intersections of power in climate change policy, focusing on how power relations shape policy outcomes at the COPs. Dr. Gay-Antaki will reveal how long-standing power dynamics hinder international collaboration and effective climate action despite efforts to increase participation from underrepresented groups including: women, indigenous peoples, and the global South.
This program will advocate for an approach that centers the experiences and voices of those directly affected by climate change to cultivate social and environmental justice.
February 18th
Across the Atlantic: NATO from a European Perspective with Gert-Jan Segers
With the re-election of President Trump, the future of NATO and our relations with European allies will continue to evolve. From a European perspective, NATO plays a critical role in ensuring regional security, political stability, and cooperation.
While NATO is widely supported across Europe, there are some criticisms and concerns, including debates on NATO’s openness to future expansion—particularly Ukraine and Georgia and the potential for Russian antagonism. Join us for a conversation with Dutch politician Gert-Jan Segers as he discusses NATO, transatlantic relations and the future security of Europe.
February 28th
The Second Trump Administration’s China Policy: Early Clues with Ali Wyne
Based on the record of the first Trump administration, statements that President Donald Trump has made in recent months, and appointments that he has made thus far to senior foreign policy positions, Mr. Wyne will deliver a keynote address that considers how the second Trump administration might approach China policy and how Beijing might be strategizing in response.
March 4th
The Middle East in Transition with Ghaith al-Omari
The Middle East is a region of profound historical, political, and cultural complexity and currently faces many challenges to future stability. Several key issues dominate the region, including the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, ongoing civil wars in Yemen and Libya, and continuing regional antagonism from Iran.
While these issues remain complex, and ongoing violence heartbreaking, Mr. al-Omari will offer insights on potential ways forward, framed by his deep experience in the region.
March 11th
U.S.-India Relations Under Trump 2.0: New Phase, Same Drivers with Richard M. Rossow
Building relations with India has found support by both Republican and Democratic presidents for over 20 years. However, each leader has put their unique emphasis on different parts of the relationship. As both countries continue to deepen their ties, India is likely to play an even more significant role in shaping global security, trade, and political dynamics in the coming decades.
The U.S. views India not only as a regional partner but also as a key global player in addressing many of the 21st century’s most pressing challenges. Mr. Rossow will lay out some of the key policy drivers of the leaders of both nations, where these drivers overlap, and where they diverge.
March 18th
American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads with Emma Ashford
American foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s first term was characterized by a dramatic shift in rhetoric, but was not nearly so distinct in practice, as his administration found itself stymied by a lack of experience and widespread opposition to change in foreign policy in Washington. Yet Trump’s rhetoric from his first term – emphasizing national interests, economic security, and the importance of burden-shifting to allies – has remained remarkably consistent since that time.
New appointees and even congressional Republicans appear far more aligned with his “America First” vision, suggesting the potential for significant change in U.S. foreign policy towards both allies and adversaries during Trump’s second term. Emma Ashford will share insights on what to expect during the new administration and the development of a new, more nationalistic Republican foreign policy consensus.
March 25th
True stories about the people making and breaking our digital and cyber world with Dina Temple-Raston
Dina Temple-Raston is an investigative journalist perhaps best known for her work at NPR, where she covered topics such as terrorism, intelligence, and cybersecurity. Now at Recorded Future News, she continues her deep interest in cybersecurity, technology, and the implications of the digital world on global security and politics. Her writing often delves into the lives and stories of people in the world of hacking, digital espionage, and the broader digital world. Join us as she shares the latest from her work.