Great Decisions 2026: Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy

Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series

Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy

with Ambassador (ret.) Derek Mitchell, Senior Adviser to the President and Asia Program, CSIS

May 16, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street, Portland

What role should democracy play in American foreign policy—and how do we balance values with interests in an era of great power competition? Ambassador Derek Mitchell brings more than three decades of experience navigating these questions across government, diplomacy, and the nonprofit sector. As the first U.S. Ambassador to Burma in 22 years during its political opening, and later as president of the National Democratic Institute, he has seen firsthand the promises and limits of democratic engagement. Join us for a capstone conversation on one of the most enduring debates in American foreign policy.

Address: Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford Street, Portland 5:30-6:15 PM: Reception 6:15-7:30 PM: Keynote

Great Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the United States, offered locally by the World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980. Thanks to the generous support of our Global Benefactor “Coffee by Design,” we are offering a public lecture series in addition to our regular discussion series co-hosted with the Falmouth Memorial Library.

Note: Public lectures will be recorded to support Great Decisions discussion groups in Maine, including our annual member-facilitated series at the Falmouth Library beginning March 24, 2026.

Reserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy.

Tickets:

$12 for members

$20 non-members

Maine Students FREE

REGISTER HERE