Topics

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.

• Tuesday, February 10 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

  • Topic: America’s Global Role

  • Speaker: Michelle Mart

• Monday, February 23 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Larry Cohen

• Tuesday, March 24 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Lawrence Cohen, World Affairs Council of Greater Reading

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?

• Tuesday, February 17 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, March 17 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Jim Shankweiler, Penn State University (retired)

• Monday, March 30 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Suzanne Palmer Esq, Albright

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?

• Monday, February 16 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Dr. Solomon Lausch

• Tuesday, February 24 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, April 28 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Doug Lea, Kutztown University (retired)

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?

• Monday, March 2 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Jim Shankweiler

• Tuesday, March 10 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, April 14 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Jim Shankweiler, Penn State University (retired)

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?

• Tuesday, March 17 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Monday, April 6 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Dr. Randall Newham, PSU

• Tuesday, May 12 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Randall Newnham, Penn State University

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.

• Monday, March 16 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Dr. Victoria Williams, Alvernia

• Tuesday, March 24 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, March 31 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Victoria Williams, Alvernia University

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?

• Monday, March 9 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Dr. John Stanley, Kutztown University

• Tuesday, March 31 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, April 21 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: Jim Shankweiler, Penn State University (retired)

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?

• Monday, March 23 | 10:30 AM

  • Location: Jewish Federation of Reading/Berks

  • Speaker: Moderator TBD

• Tuesday, April 14 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Wyomissing Public Library

• Tuesday, May 5 | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Location: Reading Public Library Foundation Building

  • Facilitator: T.B.A.