The talk, featuring Colby College economist Andreas Waldkirch, is part of World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions Series
PORTLAND – The World Affairs Council of Maine will host a discussion covering Tariffs, Foreign Policy, and the Future of the World Economy at the University of Southern Maine on Thursday, March 5 at 5:30 p.m.
The talk, which will feature Andreas Waldkirch, Mitchell Family Professor of Economics at Colby College, will cover topics like how tariffs impact consumer prices, supply chains and the broader dynamics and consequences of recent trade wars.
The keynote is the latest installment of Great Decisions, a six-part series of foreign policy discussions, which has been offered locally by World Affairs Council of Maine since 1980.
This event is occurring just a week after the Supreme Court struck down the President’s emergency tariffs, which introduced new questions about the myriad of trade deals that were negotiated with global partners
“Trade policy may be dominating the headlines right now, but Maine’s exposure to global economic and political forces is a constant, whether we are paying attention or not,” said Allison Hodgkins, executive director of the World Affairs Council of Maine. “Maine has never been able to opt out of the world. What happens in foreign capitals and global markets lands here — and Mainers deserve local opportunities to understand how and why. That’s why we’re here, and why these conversations matter.”.
The World Affairs Council of Maine has been a driving force in the promotion of global awareness and understanding. In addition to providing local access to expert insight on world events, the organization hosts emerging global leaders in Maine through public diplomacy programs that build relationships and mutual understanding that shape long-term international partnerships.
The event will be held from 5:30–7:30 p.m. at the Lee Auditorium in the Wishcamper Center at 34 Bedford St. in Portland. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members; all Maine students can register free of charge. Reserve your tickets and find more information here: https://wacmaine.org/event/great-decisions-2026-tariffs-foreign-policy-the-future-of-the-world-economy/.
Since 1977, the World Affairs Council of Maine has worked with community members and elected officials to support cultural exchange between Maine and the world. World Affairs Council’s mission is to provide a forum for Maine people to explore international issues and engage in thoughtful, respectful dialogue through its programs. Visit https://wacmaine.org/ to learn more or become a member.
