Great Decisions
What is Great Decisions?
Great Decisions is a national program of the Foreign Policy Association (FPA). In North Carolina, the Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte is the state coordinator. Great Decisions is the largest non-partisan citizen education effort of its kind and has provided quality information and tools for over fifty years.
Each year, the Foreign Policy Association publishes a Great Decisions Briefing Book. The book highlights eight of the year’s most significant foreign policy issues. The book provides facts, charts, and nonpartisan analysis of the “great decisions” facing the U.S. public and policy makers. Maps, online services and other resources are available to complement programs. In addition, a DVD series and Teacher’s Guide are available for purchase on the Foreign Policy Association’s website.
What are the FPA topics to be discussed for 2025?
- International Cooperation on Climate Change
- The Future of NATO and European Security
- India: Between China, the West, and the Global South
- U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy
- AI and American National Security
What is the Charlotte Lecture Series?
The Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte coordinates a local community lecture series annually. The Charlotte Great Decisions Lecture Series consists of five weekly sessions and is an opportunity for citizens to meet, discuss and learn about some of the issues facing our world. Each week a local expert from UNC Charlotte or nearby colleges and universities provides additional perspective on the topic of interest and answers questions regarding the information presented in the Briefing Book and through the lecture. A registration form is available below.
Date, Time, and Location
All lectures will be held in a hybrid format (virtual or in person) from January 29- February 26th, 6:30 pm – 8 pm in various locations (see below for more information). You may register for in person or hybrid using the registration form below.
Wednesday, January 29, “International Cooperation on Climate Change”
Caitlin Schroering, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Global Studies, UNC Charlotte
Location: Charlotte Country Day School, 1440 Carmel Road, Charlotte, NC 28226
Wednesday, February 5, “The Future of NATO and European Security”
Besir Ceka, Ph.D., Chair and Associate Professor of Political Science, Davidson College
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, Classroom 1104, 320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
As the war in Ukraine continues to reshape the European security landscape, this talk will examine its profound implications for NATO’s evolution and strategic direction. The discussion will explore critical scenarios that could emerge from a second Trump presidency and their impact on the NATO alliance, while analyzing Ukraine’s complex path toward potential NATO membership. The talk will conclude by examining various possible outcomes of the Ukraine war and their far-reaching consequences for European security architecture, including the shifting dynamics between NATO, Russia, and the US.
Tuesday, February 11, “India: Between China, the West and the Global South”
Ritika Prasad, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of History, UNC Charlotte
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, Auditorium 201, 2nd floor, 320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Wednesday, February 19, “U.S. Changing Leadership of the World Economy”
Dale Smith, Ph.D. , Professor and Chair of Global Studies, UNC Charlotte
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, Classroom 1104, 320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Wednesday, February 26, “AI and American National Security”
Cheryl Brown, Ph.D., Chair & Associate Professor, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, UNC Charlotte
Location: The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City, Classroom 1104, 320 E. 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Cost Information
Lectures are free. Great Decisions Briefing Books will not be available onsite. If you are interested in purchasing a book, please do so online at the Foreign Policy Association’s website.
refreshments
Indulge in a delightful experience with complimentary tea, coffee, and cookies served during the lectures.
parking
Please utilize the parking facilities at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City. For detailed information about parking, please visit The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City Parking. See “Event Parking.”
Nearby Restaurants:
- Make the most of your evening by exploring nearby restaurants such as the following: the Market at 7th street, 1st Ward Social or Spice.
Public Transportation:
- Consider using the Blue Line light rail for a convenient and eco-friendly transportation option that drops you off at 9th street station, one-half block away from The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City.
Registration
Please submit the registration form for Great Decisions 2025.
Evaluation and Feedback
The online evaluation form for the 2025 lecture series will be available shortly.
For further questions or information, please send an email to GlobalEducation@charlotte.edu.
co-Sponsors
The Great Decisions lecture series, offered by the Office of International Programs at UNC Charlotte, is co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, Charlotte Sister Cities, Young Professionals of the World Affairs Council of Charlotte, and the International House.