Great Decisions Discussion Program

"Wow, what a treat. It was a real surprise and wonderful opportunity to be a part of what was truly a "Great Discussion". So glad I had the opportunity to participate. " Arnold D. 

• Do you like to keep up on current events? 
• Do you want to meet new people?
• Would you like to stretch your mind, point of view and expertise?

Created by the Foreign Policy Association of America (FPA) in 1954, Great Decisions Discussion Program is America’s largest grassroots discussion program that focuses on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book and meeting in a group setting to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. Discussing the topics with other members plays a vital role in your learning and understanding of these issues and everyone benefits from hearing different points of view.

Dates and locations for 2027 Great Decisions will be published at a later date. The discussion groups will be scheduled for February and March 2027

Great Decisions Topics for 2027

1) American Foreign Policy and the Future of Multilateralism

Today, multilateral cooperation is at a low ebb. What is the future of multilateralism, and what are America's interests and options? 

2) American Options in the Middle East

The war with Iran marks another major upheaval in U.S. strategic relations with the region. Is there a sustainable path forward that allows the U.S. to remain a security ally to Israel and its Arab allies, while dealing with Iran's nuclear threat? 

3) The Future of Germany in Europe and the Atlantic World

This essay explores the changing debates inside of Germany about its leadership role in Europe, relations with the United States and NATO, and its standing and identity as a great power. 

4) U.S.-China: The Case for Engagement

The trajectory of US-China relations in the years ahead will be a defining feature of world politics. Can the two countries build guard rails to prevent high-risk, security dilemma-driven conflict?

5) Brazil and the Global South: Confronting a New America

What are the responses of Brazil and the Global South to American foreign policy? What are the choices that Brazil faces in this shifting geopolitical environment -- both in its global relations with China, Europe, and the rest of the world, and within the Western Hemisphere?

6) AI and American Choices

How will the AI revolution, and its associated economic, technological, military, and political transformations, alter the terms of international relations? What are America's national security and foreign policy choices in this area?

7) Energy Security: Challenges for American Foreign Policy

The American/Israeli war with Iran has resulted in instability and uncertainty in the world’s energy security in ways not seen since the 1970s. How should American foreign policy decision-makers think about the problem of energy security in today's world?

8) Organized Crime in the Americas

Organized crime in the Americas has become a sprawling and multifaceted transnational activity, unfolding on many fronts -- drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal mining, cybercrime, money laundering, private militaries, narco-violence, etc. How might countries in the Western Hemisphere increase their cooperation in addressing these complex problems?

 2027 Great Decisions Briefing Book

Each participant will need to purchase a 2027 Great Decisions book for the program. Copies of the book (hard & E-version) can be purchased in December 2026 from Foreign Policy Association  www.fpa.org and will be delivered in early January.  

Group 1: Tuesdays, 10:00-11:30 AM

Location: Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville RD, Bluffton SC, 29910 

2026 Dates: February 3,  February 10,  February 17,  February 24,  March 3,       March 10,  March 17,  March 24

Group 2: (Evening Group) Wednesdays,
6:30- 8:00 PM 

Location:  First Presbyterian Church Hilton Head Island (540 William Hilton Pkwy, HHI SC, 29928)
2026 Dates:  February 4,  February 11,  February 18,  February 25,  March 4,       March 11,  March 18,  March 25 

Group 3: Thursdays, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM

Location: St. Andrew By-The-Sea Church, 20 Pope Ave, HHI SC, 29928 -- Hilton Head
2026 Dates:  February 5,  February 12,  February 19,  February 26,  March 5,       March 12,  March 19,  March 26

World Affairs Council of Hilton Head