Past Events
Know the World, then Change the World
Diplomats, policy makers and practitioners, think tank specialists and journalists
lead conversations on global issues that impact us locally.
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February 7
"War on Drugs and Environmental Degradation
in Central America"
Dr. Jennifer Devine
Texas State University
sponsored by
February 14
"Have We Learned Anything about this Pandemic?"
Andrew Natsios
Director of the Scowcroft Institute of International Affairs, The Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M
Link to publications available for purchase from this speaker
Snowcraft Infectious Disease Information Platform
February 21
"The European Union: The New Agenda Post-Brexit"
Tomas Baert
Head of Trade and Agriculture, European Delegation to the U.S.
sponsored by Bank of America
February 28
"Russian Disinformation "
Fiona Hill
Former Deputy Assistant to President and Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the National Security Council
Sponsored by
March 8
"Sustainable Globalization Post- COVID-19"
Julia Luscombe
Managing Director of Strategic Planning, Feeding America
sponsored by The Vernis Schad 2021 Lectureship for Women in Global Studies
March 15
"The Warming Arctic"
Kaare Sikuaq Erickson
North Slope Science Liaison, Ukpeaġvik Inupiat Corporation
Bob Hollister
Leader of Artic Ecology Program (AEP), Grand Valley State Univ.
March 22
"China in Africa"
Moderated Discussion with Mike DeVivo
professor of Geography, Grand Rapids Community College
sponsored by Montcalm Community College
Mar. 29
"The Saudi-Arabian- U.S. Relationship: Decades in the Making"
Thomas W. Lippman
author, consultant, and lecturer
Books by Thomas Lippman
Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs, initiated by the Foreign Policy Association in New York City.
Want to dig deeper? The FPA offers program resources, including briefing books that cover each topic.
Series Sponsor:
Livestream Sponsor:
Media Sponsors:
Topic Sponsors:
Friends of Great Decisions
The Vernis Schad 2021 Lectureship for Women in Global Studies
Educational Partners:
Aquinas College Calvin University Central Michigan University Davenport University Ferris State University Grand Rapids Community College Grand Valley State University
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University Montcalm Community College Northern Michigan University Western Michigan University
Community Partners:
Arctic Ecology Program (AEP) at Grand Valley State University
Calvin Academy for Lifelong Learning (CALL) Citizens Climate Lobby of Grand Rapids
City of Holland Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum
Grand Rapids Sister Cities International Kent District Library
U.S. Commercial Services - Grand Rapids