Great Decisions 2026 Evening Keynote Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
Great Decisions 2026 Evening Keynote Series
The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
A six part series on the future of U.S. Foreign Policy
What does the future hold for American foreign policy? Join the World Affairs Council of Maine for six evenings of in-depth insight on the most pressing global challenges facing the United States today. From the U.S.-China relationship to the war in Ukraine, from trade policy to nuclear proliferation, this series brings world-class speakers to Portland to help us make sense of a rapidly changing world. Each evening includes a networking reception, keynote address, and audience Q&A.
Series Schedule:
February 5 – US–China Relations Sean Stein, President, US–China Business Council
February 12 – Ukraine & the Future of European Security Mariana Budjeryn, Senior Research Associate, Harvard Belfer Center
March 5 – Tariffs, Foreign Policy, & the Future of the World Economy Andreas Waldkirch, Mitchell Family Professor of Economics, Colby College
March 26 – U.S. & Africa Michelle Lenihan, Deputy Commissioner, Maine DVEM (former Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs) and Matthew T. Page, Associate Fellow, Africa Programme, Chatham House
April 2 – Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation Heather Williams, Director, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security, CSIS
May 16 – Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy Ambassador (ret.) Derek Mitchell, Senior Adviser to the President and Asia Program, CSIS
Event Details:
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (all sessions) Location: Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford Street, Portland
Schedule for Each Evening:
- 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM: Networking Reception with light refreshments
- 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM: Keynote Address and Q&A
Save by registering for the full series! Individual event tickets also available.
| Series Pass (All 6 Events) | |
|---|---|
| WAC207 Members | $60 |
| General Public | $75 |
MAINE STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS FREE!
Reserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy.
Reminder emails: Series pass holders will receive a reminder email before each session with event details and any updates.
If you have any questions or need to modify your registration, please contact us at memberservices@wacmaine.org.
We look forward to seeing you throughout the spring as we explore the future of U.S. global leadership together. Thank you for your commitment to informed global citizenship!
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Community Calendar
Is your organization holding an internationally focused event in Maine? The World Affairs Council of Maine is eager to promote global goings on around the state. If you would like to include your event on our calendar please submit your request HERE. We will need two to three days to review and approve community submission.