Great Decisions 2026: Join America's largest discussion group on world affairs!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of its annual foreign policy reading and discussion group, Great Decisions. Organized by the Foreign Policy Association, Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, providing interested library patrons the opportunity to learn about and discuss in a thoughtful and courteous manner some of the most critical global issues facing America today. Click here to register.

The group meets weekly for a total of eight sessions to discuss a pre-determined set of topics selected by a panel of foreign policy experts. This year's discussion group will be held at 6:00 pm on Wednesday evenings, from February 5th through March 25th. Meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom. Those attending in-person will meet at the Tisbury EMS Facility, located at 215 Spring Street, opposite the far end of the Tisbury School playground. 

In advance of each meeting, participants will read one article from the briefing book and watch one 30-minute video on the topic of the week (video link to be provided). Discounted briefing books will be available in the coming weeks for purchase at the library’s 15 Church Street location for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book will also be available for in-library use at no charge. Alternatively, participants may purchase their copy on the Foreign Policy Association's website here.

One week prior to each session, registrants will be sent an email indicating which article in the briefing book to read and providing a link to the video segment for the week. A Zoom link will be provided for those participating virtually.

The dates and topics for 2026 are as follows:

Session 1: America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy
Wednesday, February 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

Session 2: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

Session 3: U.S.-China Relations
Wednesday, February 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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 

No session Wednesday, February 25 due to Blizzard!

Session 4: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

Session 5: Ukraine and the Future of European Security
Wednesday, March 11, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

Session 6: Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order
Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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)

Session 7: U.S. Engagement of Africa
Wednesday, March 25, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

Session 8: The Future of Human Rights and International Law
Wednesday, April 1, from 6:00-7:00 pm
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

For more information, please call the VH library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org.

Great Decisions 2025 Reading and Discussion Group

Interested patrons may register here.

The Vineyard Haven Public Library's annual foreign policy reading and discussion group begins at 6:00 pm on Thursday, February 6th and will meet weekly for a total of eight sessions. Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. In advance of each meeting, participants read one article and watch a 30-minute video on a particular topic that has been chosen by a panel of foreign policy experts. 

The dates and topics for 2025 are below. Note that February meetings will take place in the library with a Zoom option, while March meetings will likely be entirely virtual. 

Session #1: 6 pm, Thursday, February 6th, in-person and via Zoom 

American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads (Author: G. John Ikenberry)

The U.S., polarized and divided, faces a world overflowing with challenges, dangers, and uncertainties. Conflict and disorder have become the defining features of world politics. This chapter will explore the contours of the U.S. foreign policy debate as it plays out in a world of multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization

Session #2: 6 pm, Thursday, February 13th, in-person and via Zoom 

U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy (Author: Daniel Drezner)

Under President Biden, the U.S. has advanced new ideas about trade, technology, industrial policy, competition with China, and the organization of the world economy. For most of the postwar era, the U.S. has tied its global leadership to cooperative agendas aimed at creating a more open-world trading system, but that has apparently come to an end. What are America’s options and opportunities as a leader of the world economy? How will America’s “foreign policy for the middle class” and strategic competition with China impact its leadership role? How can the postwar rules and institutions of the world economy be made safe for economic nationalism and great power competition?

Session #3: 6 pm, Thursday, February 20th, in-person and via Zoom 

U.S.-China Relations (Author: Thomas J. Christensen)

Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?

Session #4: 6 pm, Thursday, February 27th, in-person and via Zoom 

India: Between China, the West, and the Global South (Author: Leslie Vinjamuri)

India is an emerging major power in world affairs, occupying a pivotal position between China, the United States, and the Global South. Its population size, economy, and geopolitical location ensure that it will be an influential voice in debates and political struggles over global order. What are India’s choices and opportunities for regional and global leadership? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? What opportunities exist for Washington to work with India?

 

Session #5: 6 pm, Thursday, March 6th, via Zoom only

International Cooperation on Climate Change (Author: Josh Busby)

The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. In subsequent COP meetings, experts and political leaders have come together seeking common cause for this growing global crisis. What is the future of these efforts, and what have they yielded? What is the U.S. role in fostering cooperation on climate change? In a divided country, what are the possible futures for American policy leadership?

Session #6: 6 pm, Thursday, March 6th, via Zoom only

The Future of NATO and European Security (Author: Kori Schake)

European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin’s Russia has launched a war with Ukraine on its doorstep, and America’s uncertain role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question with the failure of Congress to pass supplemental military support for Ukraine. What are Europe’s options, and how might developments on both sides of Western Europe – in Ukraine and across the Atlantic – impact its choices? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas?

Session #7: 6 pm, Thursday, March 6th, via Zoom only

AI and American National Security (Author: Julie George)

The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution which promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities these new technologies hold while protecting societies from their dangers. What are the key policy debates in this area, and what are the opportunities and limits on global AI rules of the road? How will the AI revolution impact American national security? What are its policy options to secure the benefits of AI and guard against its dangers?

Session #8: 6 pm, Thursday, March 6th, via Zoom only

American Foreign Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead (Author: Daniel Kurtzer)

The war in Gaza has brought the region to a crossroads. What are the possible outcomes of the war, and how might the United States use its influence to shape a long-term settlement that leaves both Israel and the Palestinians in a better position? How might Arab states in the wider region be brought into a settlement? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them?

Interested patrons may register here. Limited to 25 participants. Discounted briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book are also available for in-library use at no charge. Alternatively, participants may purchase a copy on the Foreign Policy Association's website here. 

One week prior to each session, we will send all registrants an email indicating which article to read in the briefing book and providing a link to watch the video segment for the week. We will also provide a Zoom link for those participating virtually. 

This discussion group series is made possible by the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. For more information, please contact the library at (508) 696-4211 or send an email to vhpl_programs@clamsnet.org. 

Great Decisions 2024 Now Open for Registration

 

Great Decisions, the foreign policy discussion group sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association and hosted by the Vineyard Haven Public Library, is back for 2024! The 8-week program will meet every Thursday, from 6 to 7 pm, in a hybrid format (on Zoom and in person at the Library) starting Thursday February 1st. 

The program consists of topical discussions with pre-assigned reading from the Great Decisions Briefing Book, available for purchase at the library for $25 made out to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library (or you can purchase directly from the Foreign Policy Association by clicking here.) There are also half hour videos each watch to watch in advance. The weekly topics are outlined below and we often seek "hosts" from the participants for a topic that is of interest to them. 

To register, please click here. Registering for the first session will register you for the entire 8-week course. Participation is limited to 25 people. If you have any questions, you can contact Ruth Konigsberg at rkonigsberg@clamsnet.org or 508-696-4211, x. 115. 

Session One, February 1st, 6 pm: Mideast Realignment

The United States and Middle East are at a crossroads. In spite of a reduced presence in the Middle East, the U.S. still has significant national interests there and the area is a key arena for global power politics. Can the U.S. continue to defend its interests in the Middle East and globally with a lower level of military and political involvement, or should it recommit to a leading role in the region?

Session Two, February 8, 6 pm: Climate Technology and Competition

Will the United States and China, with other powerful countries following suit, approach current and future climate initiatives with an increased commitment to trade protectionism and nationalism, by various measures including trade restrictions? Or could a growing spirit of international accord develop to confront the “common enemy” of climate change?

Session Three, February 15, 6 pm: Science Across Borders

Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation’s national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?

Session Four, February 22, 6 pm: US-China Trade Rivalry

China’s economic rise and its current policies of increasing the role of the state in the economy have led some U.S. policymakers to seek to deny China access to U.S. technology and investment. This is seen as a necessary corrective to decades of predatory Chinese economic policies. Is this a wise strategy, and how effective can it be?

Session Five, February 29, 6 pm: NATO’s Future

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has come under increased scrutiny, not because NATO troops are involved in the conflict, but because of its role in relations between Russia and its neighbors. Will expanding membership in NATO protect countries, or will it further provoke Russia?

Session Six, March 7, 6 pm: Understanding Indonesia

Despite its large size, Indonesia remains virtually invisible to most Americans. But as one of the world’s largest democracies, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, and as an economic driver of ASEAN, why does it fly below the radar? What are current issues in U.S.-Indonesian relations, and what role can the country play in Asia?

Session Seven, March 14, 6 pm: The High Seas Treaty

Areas of the seas beyond national jurisdiction comprise the high seas, which are facing a degradation of ecosystems due to climate change and the increase in human activities, such as shipping, overfishing, pollution, and deep-sea mining. The recently negotiated High Seas Treaty, also known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction treaty, will attempt to address these issues. How difficult will it be to convince nations to participate?

Session Eight, March 21, 6 pm: Pandemic Preparedness

Looking back at the covid-19 pandemic, there are many lessons to take away in terms of domestic and international policies. Although this pandemic seems to have waned, how can we apply these lessons to future pandemics? Will countries cooperate, and will a consensus emerge on how to manage global health challenges?

 

Virtual: Register for Great Decisions Discussion Group

 

Special addition to series! 6:30 pm Thursday March 31st
Online: "Little Russia" and the Russian Empire: History and the War in Ukraine
Vineyard Haven Library patrons are invited to attend this event hosted by the Duxbury Free Library with Dr. Cynthia Simmons, an emeritus professor at Boston College, where she taught history in the Department of Slavic and Eastern Languages and Literatures from 1994-2017. Dr. Simmons will be providing historical context for the current war in Ukraine, along with discussing language, religion, and other aspects of culture related to identity. This program will take place on Zoom. Register

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The Vineyard Haven Library will again be hosting a discussion group based on the Great Decisions program created by the Foreign Policy Association. The group meets once a week on Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm via Zoom for a total of nine weeks. Before the meeting, participants are encouraged to watch a short video lecture "master class" and read an article from a briefing book on specific challenges facing our global community. The group then meets on Zoom to discuss possible avenues for resolving those challenges. The dates and topics for meetings are listed below, with a more in-depth description at the end of this post:

Thursday, February 10, 6 to 7 pm: Changing Demographics
Thursday, February 17, 6 to 7 pm: Outer Space
Thursday, February 24, 6 to 7 pm: The Renewed Climate Change Agenda
Thursday, March 3, 6 to 7 pm: Putin's Russia
Thursday, March 10, 6 to 7 pm: Myanmar's Neverending Crisis
Thursday, March 17, 6 to 7 pm: Xi's China Takes on the Quad Alliance
Thursday, March 24, 6 to 7 pm: A Century of Drug Wars
Thursday, April 7, 6 to 7 pm: Industrial Policy
Thursday, April 14, 6 to 7 pm: Biden's Agenda

This year, a limited number of briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $25 (regular price $35), payable by cash or check to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book are also available for in-library use. To register for Great Discussions, please click here. Instructions for how to access the video links will be emailed to participants who have registered. Registering for the first event on February 10th  registers you for the whole series. If you have any questions or problems, please email reference librarian Ruth Konigsberg at rkonigsberg@clamsnet.org or call at 508-696-4211 x 115.

Changing Demographics
The world experienced remarkable demographic changes in the 20th century that continue today and have resulted in far-reaching social, economic, political, and environmental consequences all over the globe. These consequences are creating mounting challenges to development efforts, security, climate, and the environment, as well as the sustainability of human populations.
 
Outer Space
The launch of Sputnik I in October 1957 marked the beginning of the space era and of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the 21st century, there are many more participants in space, including countries such as India and China, and commercial companies such as SpaceX. How will the United States fare in a crowded outer space?
 
Climate Change
The ideological divide in the United States on the subject of climate change has impeded progress in curbing greenhouse emissions. But extreme weather events at both ends of the thermometer have focused attention on the consequences of inaction. What role will the United States play in future negotiations on climate?
 
Russia
Russia and the United States have many areas of conflict and some possible areas of mutual interest. Arms control, Russian interference in U.S. elections and support of cyberattacks, the status of Ukraine, the fate of opposition politicians in Russia, all continue to be concerning. How will the new administration in Washington approach these issues?
 
Myanmar and ASEAN
The situation in Myanmar, including the coup by the military in February 2021 and the ongoing human rights crises, coupled with civil resistance by those opposed to the regime, has led to chaos in the Southeast Asian country. How are neighboring countries reacting, and what role will ASEAN play?
 
The Quad Alliance
As part of the U.S. pivot to Asia, the United States has been in dialogue with Japan, Australia, and India in an effort to contain China. Recently, the Quad countries held joint naval exercises in the South Pacific. How effective will the actions of this alliance be?
 
Industrial Policy
The current discussion of industrial policy in the United States is not simply about whether or not to support specific companies or industries, but about trust or mistrust of the government and its ability to manage the economy and deal with a rising China. The upheaval in supply chains during the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the international economy. What policies can the United States implement to deal with trade and the economy?
 
Drug Policy in Latin America
The issue of migration to the United States from Latin America has overshadowed the war on drugs, which has been underway for decades with little signs of progress. What are the roots and the bureaucratic logic behind today´s dominant drug policies in Latin America? Is it time to reconsider punitive drug control policies that disrupt supply chains and punish drug possession?
 
Biden’s Agenda
The new administration in Washington promised to reverse many of the policies of the past administration, especially in foreign policy. How will issues such as climate, the pandemic, and alliances be treated under the Biden administration?

Enjoy Discussing Foreign Policy? Sign Up for Great Decisions 2021

 

Now in its 50th year, Great Decisions is a discussion program sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association for people interested in global affairs. The Vineyard Haven Public Library's Great Decisions 2021 group will be meeting over Zoom for eight sessions every other week beginning Thursday February 4th at 6 pm. Participants will watch a 30 minute video and read articles related to each session's topic in advance of the discussion. Space is limited to 25 participants and registration is required. Once registered, you will receive information from the library about how to borrow the briefing book, watch the videos and access the Zoom link for meetings. Please register online here. By registering for the first session, you will be registered for the entire series. Questions? Contact reference librarian Ruth Konigsberg at 508-696-4211 x115 or email rkonigsberg@clamsnet.org. 

Great Decisions 2021 Schedule 

Thursday, February 4, 6-7:30 pm : Global Supply Chains and U.S. National Security

Thursday, February 18, 6-7:30 pm: The Future of Persian Gulf Security

Thursday, March 4, 6-7:30 pm: Brexit: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead

Thursday, March 18, 6-7:30 pm: The Coldest War: Toward a Return to Great Power Competition in the Arctic

Thursday, April 1, 6-7:30 pm: China and Africa

Thursday, April 15, 6-7:30 pm: The Two Koreas

Thursday, April 29, 6-7:30 pm: The W.H.O.'s Response to COVID-19

Thursday, May 13, 6-7:30 pm: The End of Globalization

Register For 2020 Great Decisions Discussion Group

UPDATE 3/13/2020: Upcoming Great Decisions programs have been cancelled and will be rescheduled

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 2nd, 2020.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. This year, a limited number of briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book are also be available for in-library use.

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 2nd
Climate Change and the Global Order
Climate change has become one of the defining issues of our time. As much of the world bands together to come up with a plan, the U.S. remains the notable holdout. What is the rest of the world doing to combat climate change? What impact will the effects of climate change have on global geopolitics?

Thursday, April 9th
India and Pakistan
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode a wave of Hindu nationalism to a historic reelection in 2019. His first order of business was to revoke the special status granted to the Kashmir region, inflaming the rivalry between India and Pakistan. How will the Kashmir situation affect the region, both economically and politically?

Thursday, April 16th
Red Sea Security
The Red Sea has remained vital for global trade since the time of ancient Egypt. Once home to the spice trade, the Red Sea now sees millions of barrels of oil a day transported across its waters. With major nations like China, France, Italy, and the U.S. building large ports and bases in the region, what does the future of the region look like? How important is Red Sea security for global security? Can the region be a place of global cooperation?

Thursday, April 23rd
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Almost every nation has enacted laws criminalizing human trafficking, and international organizations, governments, and NGOs sponsor a large variety of projects to curb trafficking and slavery. Billions of dollars have been allocated to these efforts. What is the international community doing to combat slavery and trafficking? What are the experiences like for those being trafficked?

Thursday, April 30th
U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle
Combatting illegal immigration has become a priority of the Trump administration. The Northern Triangle of Central America, made up of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, is a special target of the administration, which hold the nations responsible for the large flow of migrants from Latin America to the U.S. With funds from the U.S. cut, how can the Northern Triangle countries curtail migration?

Thursday, May 7th
China’s Road into Latin America
As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”?

Thursday, May 14th
The Philippines and the U.S.
The Philippines has had a special relationship with the United States since the islands were ceded by Spain to the United States after the Spanish-American War at the end of the 19th century.  However, since the election of Rodrigo Duterte, the country has pivoted more toward China, and away from the U.S. Duterte has also launched a largescale war on drugs that many criticize for its brutality. What does the future hold for U.S, relations with the Philippines?

Thursday, May 21st
Artificial Intelligence and Data
Policymakers in many countries are developing plans and funding research in artificial intelligence (AI). Global growth is slowing, and not surprisingly, many policymakers hope that AI will provide a magic solution. The EU, Brazil, and other Western countries have adopted regulations that grant users greater control over their data and require that firms using AI be transparent about how they use it. Will the U.S. follow suit?

Register For 2019 Great Decisions Discussion Group

Register Online to receive program updates!

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 4th, 2019.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. This year, a limited number of briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $25, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library. Copies of the briefing book are also be available for in-library use.

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 4th
Refugees and Global Migration 
Today, no countries have open borders. Every state in today’s global system has its own laws and policies about who is permitted to cross its borders, and how they will do so. Who determines whether someone is a refugee or a migrant? How have different countries, including the United States, reacted to migration? How effective are the international laws, policies and organizations that have evolved to assist and protect refugees and migrants?

Thursday, April 11th
The Middle East: Regional Disorder
As the presidency of Donald J. Trump passes the halfway point, the Middle East remains a region in turmoil. The Trump administration has aligned itself with strongmen in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, which along with Israel have a common goal of frustrating Iranian expansion. What will be the fallout from policy reversals such as withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear accord and moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem? Does the United States see a path forward in troubled states such as Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq? Is the United States headed toward war with Iran?

Thursday, April 18th
Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future? 
Nuclear weapons have not gone away, and the Trump administration has brought a new urgency, if not a new approach, to dealing with them.  The President has met with Vladimir Putin as the New Start Treaty with Russia comes up for renewal in 2021, the first presidential summit ever with Kim Jong-un occurred to discuss denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, and President Trump has decertified the Obama nuclear deal with Iran.  To what degree should past nuclear talks guide future U.S. nuclear arms control negotiations?  Can the art of the deal apply to stabilizing our nuclear future?

Thursday, April 25th
The Rise of Populism in Europe
Mass migration, and the problems associated with it, have directly abetted the rise of populist parties in Europe. Opposition to immigration was the prime driver of support for Brexit, it brought a far-right party to the German Bundestag for the first time since the 1950s, and propelled Marine Le Pen to win a third of the vote in the French presidential election. In addition to calling for stronger borders, however, these parties are invariably illiberal, anti-American, anti-NATO and pro-Kremlin, making their rise a matter of serious concern for the national security interests of the United States.

Thursday, May 2nd 
Decoding U.S.- China TradeThough arguably the most advanced economy in the world, the United States still uses centuries-old numbers to measure trade.  These antique numbers mangle understanding of the U.S.-China trade relationship, shrinking America’s true economic size and competitiveness, while swelling China’s.  Bad numbers give rise to bad policies that ultimately kill U.S. jobs and cede market share to China.  What other tools can the United States employ to counter China’s unfair trade practices?  There are several available, yet they remain mostly unused.

Thursday, May 9th
Cyber Conflict and Geopolitics Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage and attacks on infrastructure. Russia has been accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential elections in the United States and China is highly committed to using cyberspace as a tool of national policy. Dealing with cyber conflict will require new ways of looking at 21st century warfare. Is the United States prepared to respond to such threats?

Thursday, May 16th
The United State and Mexico: Partnership Tested The United States and Mexico have a long, intertwined history, with both countries prominently featured in each other’s politics and agendas. The war on drugs, immigration and trade issues have taxed the relationship over the years. What impact will new leadership in both countries have on this crucial partnership?

Thursday, May 23rd
State of the State Department and Diplomacy During the Trump administration, the usual ways of conducting diplomacy have been upended. Many positions in the State Department have never been filled, and meetings with foreign leaders such as Kim Jong-un and Vladimir Putin have been undertaken with little advance planning. What effect are these changes having now, and how will they affect ongoing relationships between the United States and its allies and adversaries?

Public Affairs Discussion Group at Vineyard Haven Public Library

Leading up to the annual Great Decisions Discussion Group Series in April/May 2019, the library will be hosting a monthly Public Affairs Discussion Group from 6pm to 8pm on the third Thursday of each month, beginning January 17th.

Dennis Agin will be our group coordinator for both programs, working with our Reference Librarian Alexandra Pratt. Please register online if you wish to receive updates on this program.

Thursday January 17th, 6-8 pm
The Economy and Jobs
What are the inequalities and dislocations? How are major problems fixed, near and long term? Recommended viewing: 60 Minutes program on A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) and the future of jobs, this Sunday, January 13 at 7 p.m. on CBS.
Topic Leader: Julia Burgess

Thursday February 21st, 6-8 pm
Electoral System – Gerrymandering – Voter Suppression & Fraud
Do we have a democracy? How well is it working? How is our system anti-democratic?  How can voting equality be improved?
Topic Leader: Denny Agin

Thursday March 21st, 6-8 pm 
Climate Change – Energy Policies – Environmental Initiatives
Is the world on a path to Environmental Disaster? What should we be doing?
Topic Leader: Mike Kobran

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Vineyard Haven Public Library will be hosting the 2019 Great Decisions Discussion Group on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm for eight weeks, April 4th through May 23rd.

A limited number of Great Decisions Briefing Books will be available for purchase at the library in mid-January, for $25. You may reserve a copy by paying in advance at the library main desk, with cash or check made out to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Public Library. Great Decisions topics for 2019 are on the Foreign Policy Association Website: https://fpa.org/great_decisions/

Register For 2018 Great Decisions Discussion Group

Register online

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 5th.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. This year, a limited number of briefing books are available for purchase at the library for $24, payable to the Friends of the Vineyard Haven Library.

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 5th
The waning of Pax Americana?
During the first months of Donald Trump’s presidency, the U.S. began a historic shift away from Pax Americana, the liberal international order that was established in the wake of World War II. Since 1945, Pax Americana has promised peaceful international relations and an open economy, buttressed by U.S. military power. In championing “America First” isolationism and protectionism, President Trump has shifted the political mood toward selective U.S. engagement, where foreign commitments are limited to areas of vital U.S. interest and economic nationalism is the order of the day. Geopolitical allies and challengers alike are paying close attention.

Thursday, April 12th
Russia's foreign policy
Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia is projecting an autocratic model of governance abroad and working to undermine the influence of liberal democracies, namely along Russia’s historical borderlands. Russia caused an international uproar in 2016, when it interfered in the U.S. presidential contest. But Putin’s foreign policy toolkit includes other instruments, from alliances with autocrats to proxy wars with the U.S. in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria. How does Putin conceive of national interests, and why do Russian citizens support him? How should the United States respond to Putin’s foreign policy ambitions?

Thursday, April 19th
China and America: the new geopolitical equation
In the last 15 years, China has implemented a wide-ranging strategy of economic outreach and expansion of all its national capacities, including military and diplomatic capacities. Where the United States has taken a step back from multilateral trade agreements and discarded the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), China has made inroads through efforts like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). What are Beijing’s geopolitical objectives? What leadership and political conditions in each society underlie growing Sino-American tensions?  What policies might Washington adopt to address this circumstance?

Thursday, April 26th
Media and foreign policy
State and non-state actors today must maneuver a complex and rapidly evolving media landscape. Conventional journalism now competes with user-generated content. Official channels of communication can be circumvented through social media. Foreign policy is tweeted from the White House and “fake news” has entered the zeitgeist. Cyberwarfare, hacking and misinformation pose complex security threats. How are actors using media to pursue and defend their interests in the international arena? What are the implications for U.S. policy?

Thursday, May 3rd
Turkey: a partner in crisis
Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. One year on, an overwhelming majority of the population considers the United States to be their country’s greatest security threat. In this age of a worsening “clash of civilizations” between Islam and the West, even more important than its place on the map is what Turkey symbolically represents as the most institutionally Westernized Muslim country in the world.

Thursday, May 10th
U.S. global engagement and the military
The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its military. Some argue for an “America First” paradigm, with a large military to ensure security, while others call for a more assertive posture overseas. Some advocate for a restoration of American multilateral leadership and a strengthened role for diplomacy. Still others envision a restrained U.S. role, involving a more limited military. How does the military function in today’s international order, and how might it be balanced with diplomatic and foreign assistance capabilities?

Thursday, May 17th
South Africa's fragile democracy
The African National Congress (ANC) party has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid in 1994. But the party today suffers from popular frustration over official corruption and economic stagnation. It faces growing threats from both left and right opposition parties, even as intraparty divisions surface. Given America’s history of opportunistic engagement with Africa, there are few prospects for a closer relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, a weaker ANC could lead to political fragmentation in this relatively new democracy.

Thursday, May 24th
Global health: progress and challenges
The collective action of countries, communities and organizations over the last 30 years has literally saved millions of lives around the world. Yet terrible inequalities in health and wellbeing persist. The world now faces a mix of old and new health challenges, including the preventable deaths of mothers and children, continuing epidemics of infectious diseases, and rising rates of chronic disease. We also remain vulnerable to the emergence of new and deadly pandemics. For these reasons, the next several decades will be just as important—if not more so—than the last in determining wellbeing across nations.

Register For 2017 Great Decisions Discussion Group

Register online

The Vineyard Haven Public Library Great Decisions Discussion Group will meet for 8 sessions on Thursday evenings at 7pm, beginning April 6th.

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. The Foreign Policy Association (FPA) has published the Great Decisions briefing book, a well researched annual publication covering eight timely global topics to be read by group participants in order to prepare for each discussion. At each meeting we will show a 30 minute documentary film on that week's topic, to be followed by a moderated discussion.

Please register online or at the library. The briefing book may be purchased for $25 from the FPA website at www.fpa.org, or by calling (800) 477-5836. A limited number of copies will be available to read in the library.

Topics and meeting dates:

Thursday, April 6th
The Future of Europe: Coping with Crisis
The outcome of the United Kingdom referendum on EU membership sent shockwaves across the globe. It even caught British voters by surprise. The European Union has helped secure peace in Europe for the past 70 years. Now it faces an uncertain future. Amid a refugee crisis, lingering financial recession and the constant specter of terrorism, unity seems more imperative than ever. But the Brexit vote underscores the complexities of integrating an extremely diverse continent. What will post-Brexit Europe look like, and how can U.S. foreign policy adapt?

Thursday, April 13th
Trade, Jobs and Politics
The U.S. political mood toward trade has gone sour. One need look no further than the 2016 presidential contest for the popular narrative: trade means that China wins, at America’s expense. But do the numbers support that conclusion? The metrics used to gauge economic strength—Gross Domestic Product and balance of trade—have not kept up with the realities of modern manufacturing. Obtaining an accurate picture of U.S. economic stature requires a critique of those numbers. Only then can the U.S. develop appropriate policy solutions for the challenges at hand. 

Thursday, April 20th
Conflict in the South China Sea
The South China Sea is a locus of competing territorial claims, and China its most vocal claimant. Beijing’s interest has intensified disputes with other countries in the region in recent years, especially since China has increased its naval presence. Despite rising international pressure, including an unfavorable ruling by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, China staunchly defends its policies in the region. Preventing tensions from boiling over is a matter of careful diplomacy.

Thursday, April 27th
Saudi Arabia in Transition
As Saudi Arabia struggles to adjust to the drastic decline in oil revenue, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman attempts to boldly transform the country and shift more power to the younger generation. At the same time, many countries such as the U.S. point out the lack of democracy, women’s rights and human rights in Saudi Arabia, and blame its promotion of Wahhabism, an extremely conservative version of Islam, for creating jihadists. Bipartisan criticism of Saudi Arabia is rising in Congress. Both countries need each other, but they are at a crossroads in bilateral relations.

Thursday, May 4th
U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum
What is the effect of U.S. petroleum security on foreign policy? For 45 years, the country has alternated between periods of energy security and insecurity, sometimes able to wield petroleum as a useful instrument of foreign policy, sometimes not. Despite the so-called “energy revolution,” the U.S. today is by no means disentangled from foreign dependence and global trends. In order to be successful, policymakers must recognize both petroleum security circumstances and patterns in the relationship between petroleum and foreign policy.

Thursday, May 11th
Latin America's Political Pendulum
The pendulum of Latin American politics is swinging rightward once again. Yet as the “pink tide” recedes, the forces of change have more to do with socioeconomics than ideology. Dramatic economic and political crises have coincided in countries like Brazil and Venezuela. Still, the final result for Latin America may be the emergence of centrist, pragmatic modes of governance, and with them, opportunities for the U.S. to improve relations. The new administration must look beyond the neoliberal model of the 1990s, and develop an approach to relations fit for the 21st century.

Thursday, May 18th
Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Major internal conflict has plagued Afghanistan for four decades. The U.S., for its part, has conducted military operations in the country nearly continuously since 9/11. Today, war with the Taliban persists, and tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan have gradually deteriorated. As his time in office drew to a close, President Obama limited further withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The incoming administration has a choice: will it maintain the status quo, completely reverse the Obama administration drawdown or withdraw completely? Does the U.S. face a no win situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan?

Thursday, May 25th
Nuclear Security: The Enduring Challenge of Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear nonproliferation was a top priority for the Obama administration. While the Iran Deal was a diplomatic victory toward this end, major threats persist from both state and non-state actors. Countries like North Korea, Russia, and India and Pakistan continue to challenge nonproliferation efforts. The possibility that terrorists will carry out an attack using a “dirty bomb,” made from captured nuclear materials, looks increasingly real. In a fractious world, which way forward for U.S. nuclear security policy?