Great Decisions 2027: Topic Preview
The Foreign Policy Association has announced the proposed topics for its
2027 Great Decisions program. These topics provide a preview of the
international issues our local lecture series is expected to address.
Our Williamsburg-area speakers and the date assigned to each topic have
not yet been finalized. The authors listed below are the
writers of the corresponding essays in the Foreign Policy Association’s
2027 Great Decisions Briefing Book; they are not necessarily the
speakers for our local series.
The Briefing Book is included with registration for the eight-session
Great Decisions series.
1. American Foreign Policy and the Future of Multilateralism
A look at the future of international cooperation and the choices facing
the United States as multilateral institutions and agreements come under
increasing strain. The discussion will consider whether working through
international frameworks still serves U.S. interests and what role the
United States might play in rebuilding them.
Briefing Book essay author: G. John Ikenberry
2. American Options in the Middle East
An examination of U.S. interests and strategic choices in the Middle East,
including relations with Israel and Arab allies, the challenge posed by Iran,
and questions about the future level of American military and diplomatic
involvement in the region.
Briefing Book essay author: Phil Gordon
3. The Future of Germany in Europe and the Atlantic World
A look at Germany’s changing role in Europe and the Atlantic alliance amid
the war in Ukraine, changes in U.S. policy, and political shifts within
Europe. The topic considers Germany’s relationship with the United States,
NATO, and its own role as a major European power.
Briefing Book essay author: Liana Fix
4. U.S.-China: The Case for Engagement
An exploration of whether the United States and China can develop a more
stable and constructive relationship while remaining strategic competitors.
The topic considers possible areas of cooperation, ways to reduce the risk
of conflict, and the broader rules that might shape relations between the
two powers.
Briefing Book essay author: Zongyuan Zoe Liu
5. Brazil and the Global South: Confronting a New America
A consideration of how Brazil and other countries in the Global South are
responding to changes in U.S. foreign policy. The topic explores Brazil’s
choices in its relationships with the United States, China, Europe, and
other countries, and the possibilities for a stable U.S.-Brazil relationship.
Briefing Book essay author: Matias Spektor
6. AI and American Choices
An examination of how artificial intelligence may reshape international
relations, national security, military power, and economic competition.
The topic considers how the United States might use AI as an instrument
of national power while also helping develop international rules to manage
its risks.
Briefing Book essay author: Michael Horowitz
7. Energy Security: Challenges for American Foreign Policy
A look at the growing connection between energy supplies, global markets,
security, and geopolitics. The topic considers the choices facing U.S.
foreign-policy leaders as they respond to changing energy realities and
seek cooperation with allies and international partners.
Briefing Book essay author: Samantha Gross
8. Organized Crime in the Americas
An examination of transnational organized crime across the Americas,
including drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal mining, cybercrime,
money laundering, and organized violence. The topic considers how the
United States and its neighbors might cooperate more effectively while
addressing the political and institutional weaknesses that allow criminal
networks to thrive.
Briefing Book essay authors: Jorge Castaneda and Lisa Sanchez
Speakers and session dates will be added as they are confirmed.
View the Foreign Policy Association’s 2027 topic announcement »