Great Decisions
The Emmy Nominated Great Decisions series is the only documentary series on American television devoted exclusively to in-depth examination of international issues. Narrated by David Straithairn, the 13 episode series looks at critical issues facing America from all angles.
- 1986-2021
- 49 seasons
- NETA
- Talk & Interview
The Emmy Nominated Great Decisions series is the only documentary series on American television devoted exclusively to in-depth examination of international issues. Narrated by David Straithairn, the 13 episode series looks at critical issues facing America from all angles.
Season 49 Episode Guide
8 Episodes 2021
Episode 1
Global Supply Chains
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
In 2020, dire shortages of medical supplies focused public attention on how much equipment is produced overseas. Great Decisions investigates the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global trade and asks how to secure supply chains.
Episode 2
Persian Gulf Security
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
As oil prices plummet and fatigue mounts from two decades of war, policymakers are reevaluating long-held assumptions about American engagement in the Persian Gulf. Great Decisions asks whether the US remains the dominant power in a changing region.
Episode 3
Britain After Brexit
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
Although Britain has left the European Union, the ramifications of Brexit are far from fully settled. Great Decisions asks whether the United Kingdom can remain united and considers how Brexit will change Britain's relationships with Europe and the United States.
Episode 4
The Fight Over the Melting Arctic
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
As the polar icecap retreats, the Arctic is becoming a focus for economic development and geopolitical rivalry. Great Decisions investigates the ambitions of Arctic powers both old and new and asks whether a spirit of cooperation can endure.
Episode 5
Competing Interests: The U.S. and China in Africa
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
As cash-strapped nations across Africa have turned to China to build much-needed infrastructure, they have stepped into the middle of a geopolitical rivalry. Great Decisions investigates China's influence and explores the Chinese-American competition in Africa.
Episode 6
The Korean Peninsula
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
From an impoverished, war-torn nation to the world's twelfth largest economy, South Korea's transformation has been extraordinary. Great Decisions investigates South Korea's rapid development and examines its evolving partnership with the United States.
Episode 7
The World Health Organization
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
As Covid-19 brought the world to a grinding halt, the World Health Organization became a political flash point. Great Decisions explores how geopolitical rivalries are affecting public health and asks how the international community can prepare for the next pandemic.
Episode 8
End of the Global Order?
Thu, Sep 10, 2026
After World War II, the United States developed the system of international institutions we know today. But the American appetite for multilateralism has since diminished. Great Decisions asks whether global cooperation can endure in an era of nationalist retrenchment.