Great Decisions Lecture Series Explores China, Africa, and Human Rights

Experts discuss U.S. relations, geopolitical significance, and the future of international law

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Great Decisions lecture series, sponsored by the League of Women Voters-Williamsburg Area, has recently featured talks on China's influence in Africa and the future of human rights and international law. Speakers included William & Mary professor Eric Brown, who discussed China's strategic approach, and retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer, who highlighted Africa's growing economic and geopolitical importance. The next lecture will feature William & Mary law professor Nancy Combs speaking on 'The Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World'.

Why it matters

The Great Decisions lecture series provides an important platform for experts to share insights on critical global issues that impact the local community. The discussions on China, Africa, and human rights touch on key geopolitical dynamics that are shaping the international landscape and have implications for U.S. foreign policy and national security.

The details

The recent Great Decisions lectures have focused on China's strategic approach in Africa and the future of human rights and international law. William & Mary professor Eric Brown highlighted how China has studied the U.S. model of success and then implemented similar ideas in other countries, presenting a 'friendly' influence in contrast to Russia's 'deprivation' strategy. Retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Virginia E. Palmer discussed Africa's growing economic and geopolitical significance, including its large youth population, rich natural resources, and strategic location. She expressed concern over the U.S. shifting away from aid toward a 'trade not aid' policy and the potential impact on USAID. The next lecture will feature William & Mary law professor Nancy Combs speaking on the future of human rights and international law in a divided world.

  • The Great Decisions lecture series is held on Tuesday mornings through March 2026 at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists.
  • The most recent lectures were held on February 10 and February 17, 2026.

The players

Eric Brown

A William & Mary professor with the Global Research Institute who writes and teaches on China, geopolitics, and U.S. national security.

Virginia E. Palmer

A retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana with a 39-year career at the State Department, including serving overseas for seven different presidents and working as an assistant secretary of state.

Nancy Combs

A William & Mary law professor who will be the next speaker in the Great Decisions lecture series, discussing 'The Future of Human Rights and International Law in a Divided World'.

League of Women Voters-Williamsburg Area

The organization that sponsors the Great Decisions lecture series.

Dennis Litalien

The Great Decisions chairperson who expressed satisfaction with Ambassador Palmer's expertise and insights.

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What they’re saying

“China has strategically and intentionally studied what made the U.S. successful, and then gone into other countries and implemented some of those ideas.”

— Eric Brown, William & Mary professor (pilotonline.com)

“China is doing a better job of responding to Africa's needs, while Russia's strategy is more sinister, offering security in exchange for influence.”

— Virginia E. Palmer, Retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana (pilotonline.com)

“America is not growing stronger, we're growing lonelier.”

— Virginia E. Palmer, Retired U.S. Ambassador to Ghana (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

The Great Decisions lecture series will continue on Tuesday mornings through March 2026 at the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists.

The takeaway

The Great Decisions lecture series provides valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape, highlighting the strategic approaches of global powers like China and Russia in Africa, as well as the future of human rights and international law. These discussions help the local community better understand the complex issues shaping U.S. foreign policy and national security.