Dear Friends of the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina (WAC-WNC)*,
I’m excited to announce the third annual OLLI Asheville College for Seniors course on the Foreign Policy Association’s annual Great Decisions topics.
Critical Global Issues: Great Decisions 2026 will take place on Mondays, 9-11 am, for eight weeks, March 23 to May 11. If you enjoy learning about and discussing US foreign policy issues, this course will be an excellent opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of complex issues and an appreciation for the process of policy formulation.
Course Description:
In partnership with World Affairs Councils of America, the Foreign Policy Association encourages citizens to participate in the foreign policy process through its annual Great Decisions program. We will discuss and debate policy options for eight of the most critical global issues facing the U.S. today: U.S. & the World; Trump’s Tariffs; U.S.-China Relations; Alliances and Nuclear Proliferation; Ukraine & European Security; Multilateral Institutions; U.S. & Africa; and Human Rights in a Divided World. Recommended text: Great Decisions 2026 Briefing Book by the Foreign Policy Association, available through the FPA’s website for approximately $35 https://fpa.org. Participants may read a background article (7-10 pages) to prepare for each class discussion.
Instructors:
John Plant received his doctorate from George Mason University’s Shar School of Policy and Government. He served in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 2001 and, following retirement, as a defense advisor to the Czech Republic from 2001 to 2007.
William Pope is a retired U.S. Foreign Service officer who had overseas assignments in Africa and Europe. Bill also held senior positions in the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. and at the U.S. mission to the United Nations in New York. After retirement, he taught graduate-level courses in counterterrorism at George Washington University and George Mason University.
Plus, a guest speaker for each topic will join John and Bill.
For more information on OLLI’s spring term and to register for courses, please see the OLLI website: https://olliasheville.unca.edu/
Please note: Lottery registration ends on Monday, February 16, and open registration begins on Monday, March 2.
Best wishes,
Julie Snyder
Presidente
*Founded in 1988, the World Affairs Council of Western North Carolina (WAC-WNC) is a non-profit, nonpartisan, and 501(c)3 charitable organization. A member of the World Affairs Councils of America in Washington, D.C., WAC-WNC is the leading global affairs organization in Western North Carolina. WAC-WNC is an all-volunteer organization with a mission to educate, inspire, and engage our Western North Carolina community in international affairs and critical global issues.