Great Decisions: A Discussion of World Affairs

Foreign Policy Association

Great Decisions is the largest program focusing on the discussion of world affairs in the United States. Groups are encouraged to engage with the Great Decisions materials, including a DVD, briefing book, and then meet with a discussion group to analyze the most pressing issues facing the Western Hemisphere today. Experts of eight subjects address key issues our society faces, from security and US foreign policy to artificial intelligence and human trafficking. 

This year, Dialogue experts were chosen to provide background information and analysis of US policy towards Latin America and China-Latin America relations. 

US Relations with the Northern Triangle by Michael Shifter and Bruno Binetti 

Combatting illegal immigration has become a priority of the Trump administration. The Northern Triangle of Central America, made up of Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, is a special target of the administration, which hold the nations responsible for the large flow of migrants from Latin America to the U.S. With funds from the United States cut, how can the Northern Triangle countries curtail migration?

China’s Road into Latin America by Margaret Myers 

As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the United States be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence?”  

Learn more about the book and where to purchase here.