The Great Decisions Committee will host a free panel discussion at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22 at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem, on how hope and creativity can bring Lehigh Valley residents together for stronger, more resilient communities. The program, “Hope for the Future: Building Community Connections,” is an introduce the 2026 Great Decisions Lecture Series, which runs Wednesdays from Jan. 28 through March 18. Attendees should come early if they have not already registered.

The Oct. 22 Great Decisions program features a three-member panel moderated by Northampton County College Associate Dean of Community Education Dr. Audree Chase. Panelists are Allentown Mayor Matthew Tuerk, Lehigh Valley Public Media CEO Hasanna Birdsong, and Touchstone Theatre founder Bridget George. The 90-minute program includes audience question and comment time following presentations by the three community leaders.

Great Decision topics for 2026

America and the World: Trump 2.0 Foreign Policy – Trump’s return has marked a break from 80 years of U.S. foreign policy leadership, embracing an “America First” approach. This chapter explores the risks of isolation and diminished influence in relation to Trump 2.0 foreign policy.

Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy – Trump’s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What’s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic policy, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopolitics?

U.S.-China Relations – Relations with China remain tense, with tariffs, military modernization, and pressure on Taiwan. Does Trump have a coherent China policy, and will his tariffs on rare earth minerals be effective? What are America’s strategic options?

Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation – U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?

Ukraine and the Future of European Security – With reduced U.S. support for NATO and Ukraine, Europe faces strategic uncertainty. The Trump administration has signaled an intention to reduce its security role in Europe. What are America’s stakes in NATO and Europe’s strategic dilemmas, and how might Europe respond?

Multilateral Institutions in a Changing World Order – Can multilateralism survive amid shifting global power and rising nationalism? This chapter examines the future of global cooperation across trade, health, and finance.

U.S. Engagement of Africa – Africa’s geopolitical role is growing. What lessons can the U.S. learn from China’s presence there, and how might it strengthen ties, especially with leading nations like Nigeria? What tools of statecraft might the U.S. bring to its engagement with Africa?

The Future of Human Rights and International Law – As democracy and human rights retreat globally – and the U.S. pulls back –how can civil society and legal norms remain effective in a divided world? What is the role and force of international law in this era of impunity?

Kirkland Village Retirement Community is located in north Bethlehem, east of Route 512 and directly behind the First Presbyterian Church, 2344 Center St. Parking is available in the church parking lot.

Great Decisions course registration cost is $90 for one and $125 for a couple. Prices increase $10 after Dec. 31 for the eight lectures and essay booklet. Individual sessions cost $20 at the door.

The Great Decisions national program is produced by the NYC-based Foreign Policy Association, whose mission is educating Americans about critical current global issues. Lecturers for the Bethlehem program are primarily academics from area colleges and universities who volunteer their time.

To register call Northampton Community College at 610-861-4175 or use this link: bit.ly/4h3j1gA.