Great Decisions 2026: U.S. Engagement in Africa

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

U.S. Engagement in Africa

with 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

March 26, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street, Portland

As great power competition intensifies across Africa, what should guide American engagement with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing continent? Michelle Lenihan shaped U.S. Africa policy at the highest levels of the Pentagon and the National Security Council before returning to Maine, where she now serves as Deputy Commissioner for Defense, Veterans, and Emergency Management. Matthew Page, formerly the U.S. intelligence community’s top Nigeria expert, provides in-depth analysis on governance, security, and corruption across the continent. Together, they offer insider and expert perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of U.S.-Africa relations.

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