Topic Description: Trump& rsquo\;s aggressive trade and tariff policies have shaken global economic norms. What&rsquo\;s the rationale behind this radical shift in economic p olicy\, and what are the implications for multilateral trade and geopoliti cs?
\nFacilitator: Patrick O'Reilly \;completed a 30-year career in September 2025 as a senior Foreign Service Officer (d iplomat) with the U.S. Department of State. He spent much of his For eign Service career working outside the United States in eight different c ountries on four continents. Most of his postings focused on economic dipl omacy. HIs most recent assignment was as the Economic Counselor in Mexico City\, and he also served in Afghanistan\, Argentina\, Belgium\, Canada\, France\, Malaysia\, and Paraguay. While serving in Washington\, DC in the Office of Monetary Affairs\, he earned a Master of Science in Finance degr ee from George Washington University. He also earned an undergraduate degr ee in Urban Economic Studies from the University of Connecticut and comple ted the State Department&rsquo\;s nine-month Economic and Commercial Studi es course. He is originally from Connecticut and\, prior to joining the St ate Department\, spent several years in commercial real estate valuation.< /p>\n
About Great Decisions:
\nGreat Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (optional)\, and meetin g in a discussion group to discuss critical global issues facing America t oday. Each meeting begins with a video lecture on the discussion topic pre sented by Jeffrey S. Morton\, the Pierrepont Comfort Chair in Political Sc ience at Florida Atlantic University and a Fellow at the Foreign Policy As sociation and is followed by facilitator commentary and facilitator-led di scussion. \;
\n\nRegistration is required for this event\ , and must be completed two hours prior to the start time. A library card and PIN is required for registration. If you do not have a card\, click HERE to obtain one.
\nAll registered seats will be forfeited at 6:55pm and made available to waitlisted and walk-in attendees. Registered attendees a rriving after this time will be seated if seats are available.
\nPur suant to the Americans with Disabilities Act\, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1&ndash\;2 busi ness days to process. Last-minute requests will be accepted\, but may not be possible to fulfill. Please ask for Learning Services at 255-2665 or em ail JPLPrograms@coj.net.
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