August 2026

Dear Foreign Policy Association Members and Friends,

As we look ahead to the 2026–2027 season, you will notice several changes and improvements to our website and online forms. We have incorporated a convenient online payment system as well as a more efficient system for our mass mailings. These improvements will make it easier for you to register for programs, renew your membership, and stay informed about upcoming events. Thank you to Becky Woodhouse for making this happen!

The world continues to change at a rapid pace, and the importance of informed, civil dialogue about foreign policy has never been greater. Our mission — to educate, to engage, and to foster a deeper understanding of global issues — remains our guiding light.

We have an exciting year ahead. Our Program Committee, led by Alan Stolberg, has organized a dynamic series of speakers, presentations, and discussions addressing critical issues that are shaping international affairs. Our upcoming programs include:

• September 17, 2026: The Iran War- Was it Worth It? – Speaker Dr. Larry Goodson
• October 19, 2026: Embassy Bus Trip- Embassy of El Salvador
• November 4, 2026: U.S. Army War College International Fellows Know Your World Event
• November 9, 2026: U.S.-Danish Relations and Greenland – Speaker: AMB Carla Sands, Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark
• December 17, 2026: Russia in the World: Superpower or Something Else – Speaker Dr. Rob Hamilton
• January 21,2027: The Impact of International Finance on the International Political System – Speaker: TBD
• February 18, 2027: China Shock – Speaker Dr. Zenel Garcia
• March 18, 2027: Keystone Event: “A World in Conflict” – Speaker: Former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman
• April 15,2027: Latin America: U.S. Bilateral Relations with Cuba and Venezuela – Speaker: TBD
• May 20, 2027: Impact of Information War on the International System – Speaker: Dr. Ben Jensen, Center for International and Strategic Studies

Our dinner meetings are held at the Susquehanna Club in New Cumberland, located at the U.S. Army Logistics Center and overlooking the Susquehanna River. There is no security check required for entry on FPA event nights.

Embassy Trip to Washington, D.C.

October 19, 2026 – Embassy of El Salvador

This may be a small country, but it is very much punching above its weight, and there are a lot of exciting topics to talk about: ICE deportations to the country, covert Salvadoran assistance in the war on drugs, the country’s experience with Bitcoin as legal tender, how they turned their country from one of the most dangerous to one of the safest in the world, their role in Trump’s new “Monroe Doctrine,” etc.

******** SAVE THE DATE! Registration will open shortly as we firm up details *******

Last year’s Embassy bus trip was an outstanding success, thanks to Molly Howell! It began at the Embassy of South Africa, where we were privileged to meet with Ambassador Roelf Meyer, just days after he assumed his post in Washington. One of the chief architects of South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy, Ambassador Meyer was called out of retirement to serve in Washington at a particularly important moment for U.S.–South African relations. Ambassador Meyer was joined by senior members of the Embassy team, including Stanley Makgohlo, Chargé d’Affaires, and Mandi Matroos, First Political Secretary. Together, they provided members with a first-hand perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the bilateral relationship.

Following our Embassy meeting, members enjoyed lunch at the famous Clyde’s, where we were joined by Rustum Nyquist and Jacki LaBua of the U.S. Department of State’s South Africa Desk for a wide-ranging discussion of U.S.-South African relations.

The program concluded with Paul Nantulya of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, who provided an in-depth briefing on South Africa and the broader Southern African region, placing the country’s political, economic and strategic challenges within their wider regional context.

We look forward to another memorable and informative trip to Washington this coming year.

U.S. Army War College International Fellows “Know Your World” Event

November 4, 2026

We are pleased to once again be invited as special guests to the U.S. Army War College International Fellows’ “Know Your World” event. Held at the Carlisle Expo Center, this free event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the cultures represented by more than 70 International Fellows and their families.

Participants showcase their home countries through art, traditional clothing, food, and drink. It is a fun, informal evening and a unique opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with International Fellows and their families. Come hungry!

Keystone Speaker Series

March 18, 2027

KEYSTONE: “A World in Conflict” – Speaker: AMB Wendy Sherman, Former Deputy Secretary of State, Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, and Counselor of the Department of State.

The event will be held at the West Shore Country Club in Camp Hill.

Great Decisions

Great Decisions is a discussion group that promotes a respectful exchange of ideas on important foreign policy issues. Discussions are based on articles contained in the Foreign Policy Association’s annual Great Decisions Briefing Book.

A group of approximately 10–15 members meets at a member’s residence for informal discussion and socializing. The Great Decisions group would welcome additional participants, so if you are interested, please consider joining us.

JOIN US!

At the Foreign Policy Association, we believe that being informed about what is happening around the world is not only interesting — it is also an important part of our civic responsibility. Understanding global events and foreign policy helps us better appreciate how developments abroad affect our country, our communities, and each of us individually.

So why not join the FPA — and have some fun while learning?

To renew your membership or become a new member, please visit https://fpaharrisburg.org/membership/. Complete the membership application and pay online OR print the membership form and mail it with your payment to:

The Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania, Inc.
P.O. Box 60665
Harrisburg, PA 17106

It’s that easy!

While a variety of membership levels are available, we encourage you to consider supporting the FPA with a sustaining membership of $50–$100 or more. Last year, 45 members contributed sustaining memberships, averaging approximately $75 per member. Your support helps us continue bringing engaging speakers and meaningful foreign policy discussions to our community.

Our website will be updated with the new programs, menus, directions, and other event information. Please help spread the word, and share www.fpaharrisburg.org with your friends and colleagues.

We look forward to another exciting year of learning, discussion, and fellowship with you. Thank you for your continued support of the Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania.

Warm regards,
Patti Grady, President
Foreign Policy Association of Central Pennsylvania