Great Decisions is our AAUW group that meets to discuss topics of international importance. These topics, the briefing books, and the videos which support our discussions are from the Foreign Policy Association. The briefing book photos and information about the sessions are taken from their website.
The very best part of Great Decisions is the discussions we have. Our members have such rich backgrounds and deep interest that we all walk away having learned more about the topic and about each other!
Please consider joining us! It’s a great way to connect with other members as we learn and discuss together. Informed citizens help make the world a better place.
We provide all Great Decisions sessions on Zoom.
AAUW St. Paul members who order a copy of the 2025 Briefing Book through SignUpGenius will receive a discount on the purchase. Click HERE to order by November 30, 2024.
Contact Jan Hertel with any questions.
January 21, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
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? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
February 18, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
American Foreign Policy at a Crossroads
The world is experiencing multiple and escalating crises and domestic polarization. What foreign policies will be best for our country? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
March 18, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
U.S. Changing Leadership 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. What are America’s options and opportunities today 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? How can the postwar rules and institutions of the world economy be made safe for economic nationalism and great power competition? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
April 15, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
U.S.-China Relations
Some say China is our main geopolitical challenger and 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? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
April 29, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
International Cooperation on Climate Change
The 2015 Paris Agreement established a UN-sponsored framework for negotiations on climate change and global warming. What is the future of these cooperative efforts, and what is the U.S. role in fostering future agreements? What are the future options for American policy leadership? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
September 16, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
The Future of NATO and European Security
European security is more uncertain than it has been for decades. Putin’s Russia has launched a war with Ukraine. America’s role as leader of NATO and security provider has been called into question as Congress has resisted sending assistance. What are Europe’s options in providing for its own security? What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
October 21, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
AI and American National Security
The AI revolution is the leading edge of a larger high-tech revolution that promises to transform the world. Experts argue that international cooperation is needed to expand the opportunities that 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 can we secure the benefits of AI and guide against its dangers? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
November 18, 2025 @ 9:30 a.m.
India: Between China, the West, and the Global South
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. How might India develop as a regional and global leader? How will it maneuver between China and the United States, and what is its role as a voice of the Global South? How can the US best work with India? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
January 20, 2026 @ 9:30 a.m.
After Gaza: American policy in the Middle East
The war in Gaza has brought the Middle East region to a crossroads. How might the US influence future developments that affect both Arabs and Israelis? What are America’s interests in the Middle East and how can it advance them? Join us in person or on Zoom for this discussion!
Updated: 11/30/24