The Great Decisions Program, developed by the Foreign Policy Association is the oldest and largest grass-roots world affairs educational program of its kind in the country. The Program was designed to engage Americans in debate and discussion about foreign policy issues and now Great Decisions Online allows you to engage in this discussion with people outside your own borders and all over the world.

Each year, the Foreign Policy Association publishes a briefing book on eight foreign policy topics that serves as the basis for these discussions.The articles in these briefing books are written by experts on each topic and include background information, current data, policy options, discussion questions, and recommended readings.

Each group is led by a Discussion Group Facilitator who organizes the discussion according to the desires of the group. The first week focuses on getting to know your fellow participants and each week after that will focus on a different topic.

At the end of your discussion group, you will be given the chance to fill out an Opinion Ballot on the issues you have discussed. The results of Great Decisions Opinion Ballots are presented to the White House, the Departments of State and Defense, members of Congress, and the national media. Great Decisions gives you the opportunity to be informed about foreign policy issues and to voice your opinion to those who make those policies.

For more details on how Great Decisions Online works, the schedule of the program, or the history of the Great Decisions Program click the Tips for Participants link on the sidebar.

The Vermont Council on World Affairs and Norwich University are proud to give you the opportunity to join the global conversation.