World Affairs Council of Maine

Great Decisions 2026 Evening Keynote Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
2026-02-05 17:00 - 2026-03-05 19:30 (America/New_York) | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
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!

U.S.-China Relations
2026-02-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
Great Decisions 2026 Keynote Lecture Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
U.S.-China Relations
with Sam Stein, President of the U.S. China Business Council
February 5, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street. Portland
What’s at stake for American business and diplomacy as the U.S.-China relationship enters a new era? Sean Stein brings nearly three decades of diplomatic experience—including service as U.S. Consul General in Shanghai and Shenyang—combined with deep expertise advising multinational corporations on navigating the world’s most consequential bilateral relationship. As president of the US-China Business Council, he represents more than 270 American companies operating in China and advocates for balanced engagement between the two economic superpowers. Join us for an insider’s perspective on the future of U.S.-China relations.Great Decisions is the largest and longest-running discussion program on foreign policy in the Unite 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.
This inaugural public lecture of our 2026 Great Decisions Series. The series will delve into pressing global challenges and the decisions shaping the United States’ future role on the world stage.
📅 Date: February 5, 2026
📍 Location: Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford Street, Portland
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7.30
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

Ukraine & the Future of European Security
2026-02-12 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
Great Decisions 2026 Keynote Lecture Series: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership
Ukraine & the Future of European Security
with Mariana Budjeryn, Senior Research Associate, Harvard Belfer Center.​ Moderated by Prof. Rebecca Davis-Gibbons

February 12, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street. Portland
How did Ukraine come to possess—and then relinquish—the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal, and what does that history tell us about European security today? Mariana Budjeryn is the author of Inheriting the Bomb: The Collapse of the USSR and the Nuclear Disarmament of Ukraine, winner of the 2024 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Award. A native of Ukraine and one of the world’s leading experts on post-Soviet nuclear history, she brings unparalleled insight into the forces shaping the war in Ukraine and the future of the European security order.
📅 Date: February 12, 2026
📍 Location: Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedford Street, Portland
⏰ Time: 5:30 – 7.30
Reserve your spot today and be part of this essential conversation on the crossroads of American foreign policy.
Tickets:
$10 for members
$15 non-members
Maine Students FREE
REGISTER HERE

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
2026-02-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME, 04096
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland).

Date & Time: February 19th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme St. Yarmouth, ME
Discussion leader: Ghomri Rostampour
Proposed topic: The World Economy and Inflation
Readings:

Americans for Prosperity. (2026, February 13). Lowest inflation rate in over a year shows the economy is moving in the right direction. Americans for Prosperity. https://americansforprosperity.org/press-release/lowest-inflation-rate-in-over-a-year-shows-the-economy-is-moving-in-the-right-direction/
International Monetary Fund. (2026, January). World Economic Outlook Update, January 2026: Global economy: Steady amid divergent forces. IMF. https://www.imf.org/en/publications/weo/issues/2026/01/19/world-economic-outlook-update-january-2026
Council on Foreign Relations. (n.d.). Global inflation tracker. https://www.cfr.org/trackers/global-inflation-tracker
Deloitte. (n.d.). Weekly global economic update. Deloitte Insights. https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/topics/economy/global-economic-outlook/weekly-update.html
The Economist. (2025, October 8). Why Donald Trump’s tariffs are failing to break global trade. The Economist. https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/08/why-donald-trumps-tariffs-are-failing-to-break-global-trade

REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Great Decisions 2026: Tariffs, Foreign Policy, & the Future of the World Economy
2026-03-05 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series
Tariffs, Foreign Policy, & the Future of the World Economy
with Andreas Waldkirch, Mitchell Family Professor of Economics, Colby College
March 5, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street, Portland
Are tariffs an effective tool of foreign policy, or do they undermine the global economic order that has underpinned American prosperity? Andreas Waldkirch is one of the nation’s top-ranked scholars in international trade, with expertise spanning foreign direct investment, multinational firms, NAFTA, and economic integration. His research has examined how trade policies affect everything from industry productivity to environmental outcomes. Join us for an economist’s clear-eyed assessment of where U.S. trade policy is headed—and what it means for America’s role in the world economy.
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

MEMBERS Weeknight Webinar: United States and Israel at War with Iran
2026-03-11 19:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Special Webinar for Members of the World Affairs Council of Maine
United States and Israel at War with Iran
With Elisa Catalano Ewers, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and at the RAND Corporation, and a Partner at Scalare Advisors
Moderated by Christopher E. Barr, Vice President, World Affairs Council of Maine
Wednesday, March 11th at 7 p.m. — via Zoom
Join the World Affairs Council of Maine for another timely weeknight webinar on the evolving situation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. This session features Elisa Catalano Ewers, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and a leading expert on U.S. policy in the Middle East, with moderation by Christopher E. Barr.
The discussion will provide expert insight on the rapidly escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. In recent weeks, U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out major military strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran across the region and raising fears of a broader regional war. Whether you are interested in foreign policy, security, or current events, this conversation will explore the challenges and strategic choices shaping U.S. policy in the Middle East at this pivotal moment. Registration is for members only. Suggested donation for members is $10. Interested in becoming a Member? Monthly Sustainer Options begin at $4 per month! Maine Student Membership is ALWAYS free!

About our Speakers

Elisa Catalano Ewers is a practitioner in U.S. national security and foreign policy with more than 25 years of experience across government, think tanks, academia, and the private sector. Her expertise focuses on the Middle East and North Africa, counterterrorism and security cooperation, the role of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, and U.S. national security decision-making.

Ewers is currently a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, an Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security and at the RAND Corporation, and a Partner at Scalare Advisors. Ewers served in senior positions in both Democratic and Republican administrations, including at the National Security Council, the Departments of State and Defense, U.S. embassies, and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. She also served as a U.S. Senate senior professional staff member, leading the Foreign Relations Committee’s work on the Middle East and North Africa, nonproliferation and arms control, and international economic policy. She was selected for the Senior Executive Service and has advised senior leaders across the executive and legislative branches on complex foreign policy challenges. Her analysis has appeared in outlets including Foreign Affairs, Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, Newsweek, and War on the Rocks, as well as on BBC, CNN, CBS, XM Radio, and NPR.
Moderator: Christopher E. Barr is a foreign policy professional with over a decade of experience at the intersection of U.S. foreign policy, Congress, and the Middle East and North Africa. Most recently, he served as the Senior Legislative and Policy Analyst for the Democratic staff of the United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where he worked from June 2013 to March 2025. His main focus areas were the Middle East and North Africa, non-proliferation, and international financial institutions, on which he provided analysis and policy guidance to the Committee Chairman. Chris has traveled throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and lived, studied, and worked in Cairo, Egypt, before his time on the Foreign Relations Committee. Chris holds a Juris Doctor (JD) in International and Corporate Law, with a focus on Islamic Jurisprudence, from the New York University School of Law. He also earned a Graduate Diploma in Middle East Politics and Economics from The American University in Cairo and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Princeton University. Chris currently lives in Yarmouth, Maine.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
2026-03-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME, 04096
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland).

Date & Time: March 19th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme St., Yarmouth, ME
Discussion leader: Bill Franks
Proposed topic: Ukraine & Peace Negotiations
Associated Press. (2026, February 26). Russia launches major attack hours before U.S.-Ukraine talks. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/26/world/europe/russia-attack-ukraine-talks.html
Barnes, J. E., & Schmitt, E. (2026, February 19). Witkoff and Kushner navigate talks on Iran, Ukraine and Israel. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/19/world/europe/witkoff-kushner-iran-ukraine-israel.html
Hockenos, P. (2026, February 24). Why Ukraine is still standing after four years of war. Foreign Policy. https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/24/ukraine-russia-war-civic-resistance-civil-society-volunteers-democracy-protests/
Santora, M. (2026, February 24). Fighting intensifies in Ukraine’s Donetsk region. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/europe/ukraine-war-donetsk.html
Santora, M., & Troianovski, A. (2026, February 18). Ukraine and Russia discuss peace talks and a possible demilitarized zone. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/18/world/europe/ukraine-russia-peace-talks-demilitarized-zone.html
The New York Times. (2026, February 25). U.S. and Ukrainian officials to meet in Geneva this week. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/25/us/trump-news/us-and-ukrainian-officials-to-meet-in-geneva-this-week
Troianovski, A., & Santora, M. (2026, February 24). Ukraine war deaths. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/24/world/europe/ukraine-war-deaths.html
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Great Decisions 2026: U.S. Engagement in Africa
2026-03-26 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
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

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2026-04-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.
Date & Time: April 2nd, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic: Food Supply and Fertilizer Shortages Amid the Iran War
Suggested Readings:

Gordon, N., & Corthell, L. (2026, March 12). The other global crisis stemming from the Strait of Hormuz’s blockage. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2026/03/fertilizer-iran-hormuz-food-crisis
Curtis, E., Virzi, J., & Welsh, C. (2026, March 11). Chokepoint: How the war with Iran threatens global food security. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/chokepoint-how-war-iran-threatens-global-food-security
Atlantic Council. (2026). The Iran war’s economic fallout won’t stop at oil: Agriculture and aluminum are next. https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/econographics/the-iran-wars-economic-fallout-wont-stop-at-oil-agriculture-and-aluminum-are-next/
Council on Foreign Relations. (2026). The Iran war’s hidden front: Food, water, and fertilizer. https://www.cfr.org/articles/the-iran-wars-hidden-front-food-water-and-fertilizer
Washington Post. (2026, March 28). Iran war humanitarian aid blocked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/28/iran-war-humanitarian-aid-blocked/
Supply Chain Brain. (2026). Iran war threatens global food supply chains. https://www.supplychainbrain.com/articles/43690-iran-war-threatens-global-food-supply-chains

REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

2026 Governor's International Breakfast Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward
2026-04-07 07:00 - 09:30 | Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring St, Portland, ME, United States
Join us for the annual Governor’s International Breakfast! The World Affairs Council of Maine and the Maine International Trade Center invite you to Maine and the World: Looking Back and Moving Forward — a morning of conversation on Maine’s place in the global economy. Tickets: $25 for members, $30 for non-members, Maine Students always FREE!
REGISTER HERE
Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Spring Street, Portland, ME
Since 1997, the Governor’s International Breakfast has brought together Maine’s civic, business, academic, and government leaders to make the case that Maine’s prosperity is inseparable from its global connections. This year, as Governor Janet T. Mills delivers her fifth and final address, the breakfast will focus on the importance of Maine’s engagement with the world, and the partnerships and investments the state will work from going forward. This year’s panel will draw on the breakfast themes over the last four year — climate and energy, workforce development, leadership in the Arctic and North Atlantic, food security and supply chains, as well as trade, economic development, and public diplomacy — to take stock of what Maine has built through its global connections and what the state cannot afford to lose.
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Coffee by Design
Northcross Group
Murray, Plumb & Murray
Verrill (Law)
Broadreach Public Relations
Maine International Trade Center (MITC)
Norway Savings Bank

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
2026-04-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME, 04096
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland).

Date & Time: April 16th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme St. Yarmouth, ME
Discussion leader: Clifford Gilpin
Proposed topic: Changes in International Order
Byman, D. (2026, April 8). The fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire: Issues to watch. Center for Strategic and International Studies. https://www.csis.org/analysis/fragile-us-iran-ceasefire-issues-watch
Dworkin, A., Loss, R., & Puglierin, J. (2026, February 12). After the rupture: Middle powers and the construction of new order. European Council on Foreign Relations. https://ecfr.eu/publication/after-the-rupture-middle-powers-and-the-construction-of-new-order/
LaForge, G. (2026, April 10). The new world order will be more dangerous and more cooperative. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-10/the-new-world-order-will-be-more-dangerous-and-more-cooperative
Vakil, S. (2026, April). The U.S.-Iran ceasefire: What it means for Trump, Tehran, Israel and U.S. allies – Early analysis. Chatham House. https://www.chathamhouse.org/2026/04/us-iran-ceasefire-what-it-means-trump-tehran-israel-and-us-allies-early-analysis-chatham
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Leadership in the High North 2026: Advancing Maine's Role in the Arctic
2026-04-22 18:00 - 2026-04-23 16:30
Leadership in the High North: Advancing Maine’s Role in the Arctic
April 22–23, 2026 Maine National Guard Regional Training Institute 289 Hildreth St. N, Bangor, ME
Contact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com

Event Description
Join Maine’s leading scholars, diplomats, business leaders, and security experts for a two-day symposium exploring our state’s growing role in the rapidly changing Arctic. From climate science and international trade to emergency preparedness and Indigenous inclusion, this conference connects Maine to one of the world’s most consequential regions.
Keynote Speaker: Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir, Embassy of Iceland
Day 1 — Wednesday, April 22
6:00 PM Welcome & Opening Remarks 6:30 PM Dinner 7:30 PM Keynote Address — Ambassador Svanhildur Holm Valsdóttir 8:30 PM Concluding Remarks & Preview of Day 2
Day 2 — Thursday, April 23
8:30 AM Breakfast Reception & Student Poster Session 9:10 AM Maine’s Academic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Pips Veazey (UMaine Portland Gateway), Dr. Susan Kaplan (Bowdoin College), and UNE North 10:30 AM Maine’s Economic Role in the Arctic — featuring Maine International Trade Center, New England Ocean Cluster, and Maine Center for Entrepreneurs 12:15 PM Maine’s Diplomatic Role in the Arctic — featuring Dr. Mary Thompson-Jones, author of America in the Arctic 2:15 PM Maine’s Security & Emergency Management Role in the Arctic — featuring Benjamin Strong (Arctic Council), Magnus Nordenman, and USCG Sector Northern New England 3:30 PM The Way Ahead — closing discussion with Ambassador Valsdóttir and Commissioner Diane Dunn (Maine DVEM)
Lunch included. Extended networking breaks with student poster opportunities throughout the day.
Contact: LTC (R) Darryl W. Lyon,— darryl.lyon@gmail.com

Call for Student Posters
Students: Present your Arctic-relevant research alongside leading experts! Posters will be featured during structured networking sessions throughout the conference.

Free attendance for student presenters
Easels provided — just bring your poster (36×48″, vertical)
Topics: climate, geopolitics, trade, security, Indigenous studies, marine science, and more

Contact: Tyler Lissy, UMaine SPIA — lissyt@maine.edu

Presented by: World Affairs Council of Maine • Archipelago • UMaine School of Policy & International Affairs • Maine International Trade Center
Supported by: Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management • ArcticToday

Great Decisions 2026: Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
Great Decisions 2026: The Future of U.S. Global Leadership Keynote Series
Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
with Heather Williams, Director, Project on Nuclear Issues and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security, CSIS, moderated by Rebecca Davis-Gibbons
May 7, 2026, 5:30-7:30 PM, 34 Bedford Street, Portland
What happens when America’s allies begin to doubt U.S. security commitments—could it trigger a new wave of nuclear proliferation? Heather Williams directs the Project on Nuclear Issues at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and serves on the Defense Science Board. A leading voice on arms control, deterrence, and nuclear risks, she has advised the U.S. government and the UK House of Lords on nuclear policy. Join us for a vital conversation on whether the global architecture that has prevented nuclear spread for decades can survive an era of great power rivalry.
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:
$10 for members
$15 non-members
Maine Students FREE
REGISTER HERE

Great Decisions 2026: Democracy & the Future of U.S. Foreign Policy
2026-05-14 17:30 - 19:30 | Lee Auditorium, Wishcamper Center, 34 Bedfort St, Portland, ME, 04104, United States
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 14, 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, RECEPTION: 5:30-6:00 PM; KEYNOTE 6:05-7:30 PM

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:
$10 for members
$15 non-members
Maine Students FREE
REGISTER HERE

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 | Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME, 04096
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland).

Date & Time: May 21st, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme St. Yarmouth, ME
Discussion leader: TBD
Proposed topic: TBD
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

WAC207 Silent Auction
2026-06-11 02:00 - 19:30
Our second silent auction is open. Original art from Maine and abroad, restaurant gift cards, date-night packages, and a few one-of-a-kind experiences — all supporting the Council’s mission to bring the world to Maine, and Maine to the world.
Bidding closes Thursday, June 11, at 7:45 PM, during our 49th Annual Meeting at Coffee by Design. Bid early, bid often.

49th Annual Meeting
2026-06-11 17:45 - 20:00 | Coffee by Design, 1 Diamond Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
It’s been quite a year! We’ve seen a lot and done a lot, and now it’s time to come together as a community and celebrate! We’ll have food, drink, a raffle, and a silent auction with items from around the world. You will hear about the state of the Council, hear from Katherine Brown, President and CEO of Global Ties U.S., and be there when we announce the winner of our first “Citizen Diplomat of the Year” award. Members will also have a chance to vote on candidates for the Board and updates to the by-laws!
Doors open at 5:45, reception begins at 6:00!
Member Tickets: $50 ($95 for two)
General public: $55 each
Maine students: FREE
Register HERE

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) at Magno Terra in Yarmouth
2026-06-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme Dr, Yarmouth, ME, 04096
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Currently the group will be meeting at the Magno Terra Cafe in Yarmouth (#2 Delorme St – immediately to the right of exit 17 on 295 if you are coming from Portland).

Date & Time: June 18, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Community Room – Magno Terra Cafe, 2 Delorme St. Yarmouth, ME
Discussion leader: Brenna Bry
Proposed topic: Israeli Elections
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
Readings and Background

Kroll, B. (2026, April 30). Netanyahu’s last stand? What to know about Israel’s 2026 election. Haaretz.

Kershner, I. (2026, April 26). Former Israeli premiers join in bid to oust Netanyahu in elections. The New York Times.

Chatham House. (2026, January 20). Israel in 2026: Elections will be a referendum on the legacy of 7 October and the future social contract. Chatham House. Interpretive essay positioning the 2026 vote as a referendum on the October 7 attacks, judicial overhaul, and Israel’s evolving social contract, from a UK-based foreign-policy think-tank perspective.

Center for Israel Education. (2021, March 7). The Israeli political system. CIE – Center for Israel Education. Brief, accessible primer on Israel’s Knesset, proportional representation, and coalition politics, written for educators and general readers.
Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2026, April 26). *2026 Israeli elections*. Encyclopaedia Britannica.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person) (Magno Terra in Yarmouth)
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month.

Date & Time: July 16, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: Magno Terra, Yarmouth
Discussion leader: TBD
Proposed topic: TBD
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
Readings and Background

Members: Help us welcome the world! Members of Parliament from North Macedonia!
2026-07-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Coffee by Design, 1 Diamond Street, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Meet the World in Portland: A Reception with Visiting Members of Parliament
Wednesday, July 29 · 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Coffee By Design, 1 Diamond Street, Portland
Join the World Affairs Council of Maine for an evening reception with a delegation of Members of Parliament visiting Maine through the U.S. State Department’s Open World Program. Over coffee in Portland’s East Bayside, meet the legislators, hear what a week inside Maine’s government and communities has looked like through their eyes, and swap perspectives on the issues that tie Maine to the wider world. This is citizen diplomacy at its most direct: the world comes to Maine, and Mainers engage the world. All are welcome.
This event is open to members of the World Affairs Council of Maine, as well as state or local elected officials or their staff. There is no cost to attend.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:30
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Please note location is currently TBD.

Date & Time: August 20th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2026-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.
Date & Time: September 3rd, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2026-09-17 10:00 - 11:30
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Please note location is currently TBD.

Date & Time: April 16th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2026-10-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.
Date & Time: October 1st from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2026-10-15 10:00 - 11:30
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Please note location is currently TBD.

Date & Time: October 15th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

2026 Fall Foreign Policy Forum - October 29-30th!
2026-10-29 17:30 - 19:30
Mark your calendars! The 2026 Fall Foreign Policy Forum has been confirmed. More details will be released in the future.
Advance registration is open! Details coming soon!

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2026-11-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.
Date & Time: November 5th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2026-11-19 10:00 - 11:30
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Please note location is currently TBD.

Date & Time: November 19th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2026-12-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
A monthly discussion of world events for members. Virtual meetings are held every first Thursday of the month.
Date & Time: December 3rd from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2026-12-17 10:00 - 11:30
A monthly discussion of world events for members. In-person meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. Please note location is currently TBD.

Date & Time: December 17th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
