Great Decisions 2026 Series Ticket (Exclusive for WorldOregon Members)

GREAT DECISIONS 2026

Thursdays, January 8–February 26, 12pm PDT
Portland State University
Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 327
1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

In-Person and Live Streaming

One of WorldOregon's favorite events of the year is the annual GreatDecisions series! As in previous years, this series features eight hard-hitting topics selected by the Foreign Policy Association —don't miss this year's edition of the oldest, largest grassroots, people-powered, foreign policy seriesin the country, which had its start here in Portland in 1953. 

This year, the series moves to Thursdays and is back in a familiar venue at Smith Memorial Student Union and we are excited to partner once again with PSU's Office of Global Engagement and Innovation to make this longtime flagship program possible. 

NOTE: This is the page to purchase a ticket for the complete 8-part Great Decisions series and is only available to WorldOregon members. The series is being programmed currently and complete series information with dates/speakers will be announced mid-December. 

If you’re not a member and would like to take advantage of a $20 savings on the series (along with many other perks throughout the year) CLICK HERE to JOIN.

$60 Series Ticket for Members (a savings of $20!)
$10 Individual events for WorldOregon Members; $15 General Public

Free for Portland State University Students, Staff, & Faculty with ID

Great Decisions 2026 Topics:

• America's Global Role: Foreign Policy's Next Chapter

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.

• Tariffs & the Future of the Global Economy

The new administration’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?

• Strategic Options for U.S.-China Relations

Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does this administration have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on Rare Earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?

• Ruptured Alliances & 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?

• Ukraine & 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?

• 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.

• 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?

• The Future of Human Rights & 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?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
 

Program Venue

Great Decisions is held at Portland State University’s Smith Memorial Student Union, Room 327, 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201.

This location is close to MAX Green line and Portland Streetcar stops (PSU South, SW 5^th & Jackson/SW 6^th& College), and nearby campus parking locations can be found here

The Program
The Great Decisions programs take place on Thursdays, January 8–February 26 at 12 pm PDT. The programs are offered in-person at Portland State University AND available to stream online. Programs last approximately an hour and feature a rich array of presenters and an opportunity for online audience to engage the speakers through Q&A.

Registrants will receive a Zoom link for the live-stream of each week’s program, just prior to the scheduled event. NOTE: it's good to check spam/junk folders as these emails often land there.

Programs will also be available for later viewing on WorldOregon’s YouTube channel, within a week of each program.

The Great Decisions Briefing Book
WorldOregon will have a limited number of Great Decisions books available for sale at a purchase at this event; otherwise we encourage you to purchase a Great Decision book from the Foreign Policy Association.

Great Decisions Discussion Group
This year WorldOregon is starting it’s own discussion group, in conjunction with the live program, for those wanting to dive deeper into the material. Contact Tim DuRoche, Director of Programs to join: timd@worldoregon.org

Is there food and beverage available?
There are an array of options nearby, including food carts on SW 4^th, between College and Hall Streets; attendees can also grab a coffee or snack on the ground floor of Smith Memorial Union from one of these tasty options: Eat, Play, Shop at Smith.