Register 30 Seats Remaining

Great Decisions

Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy

This Foreign Policy Association's Great Decisions program will discuss Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy with Patrick O'Reilly, Retired Foreign Service Officer and UNF Professor.

Topic Description: 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?

Facilitator: Patrick O'Reilly completed a 30-year career in September 2025 as a senior Foreign Service Officer (diplomat) with the U.S. Department of State. He spent much of his Foreign Service career working outside the United States in eight different countries on four continents. Most of his postings focused on economic diplomacy. 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 degree from George Washington University. He also earned an undergraduate degree in Urban Economic Studies from the University of Connecticut and completed the State Department’s nine-month Economic and Commercial Studies course. He is originally from Connecticut and, prior to joining the State Department, spent several years in commercial real estate valuation.

About Great Decisions:

Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading the Great Decisions Briefing Book (optional), and meeting in a discussion group to discuss critical global issues facing America today. Each meeting begins with a video lecture on the discussion topic presented by Jeffrey S. Morton, the Pierrepont Comfort Chair in Political Science at Florida Atlantic University and a Fellow at the Foreign Policy Association and is followed by facilitator commentary and facilitator-led discussion. 

Registration 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.

All registered seats will be forfeited at BLANK and made available to waitlisted and walk-in attendees. Registered attendees arriving after this time will be seated if seats are available.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Please allow 1–2 business 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 email JPLPrograms@coj.net.

Upcoming events