World Affairs Council of Maine

Great Decisions 2026: Ruptured Alliances & the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
2026-05-07 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | 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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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 | ME
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.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-01-07 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: January 7th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-01-21 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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: January 21st, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-02-04 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: February 4th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-02-18 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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: February 18th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-03-04 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: March 4th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-03-18 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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: March 18th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-04-01 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: April 1st, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-04-15 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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 15th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-05-06 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: May 6th, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-05-20 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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: May 20th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (virtual)
2027-06-03 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: June 3rd, from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
Suggested Readings:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.

Coffee and Discussion (In-Person)
2027-06-17 10:00 - 11:30 | ME
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: June 17th from 10:00 AM-11:00 AM
Place: TBD
Discussion leader:
Proposed topic:
REGISTER HERE OR ABOVE.
