The perennially popular noontime conversation series Great Decisions returns to Portland State University January 18 - with another round of riveting discussions on the ideas, people, and issues changing the face of the globe. Can't make any of the 8-week series, not a problem - we'll be streaming it live. 

The Rise of Populism in Europe 
Mass migration, and the problems associated with it, have directly abetted the rise of populist parties in Europe. Opposition to immigration was the prime driver of support for Brexit, it brought a far-right party to the German Bundestag for the first time since the 1950s, and propelled Marine Le Pen to win a third of the vote in the French presidential election. In addition to calling for stronger borders, however, these parties are invariably illiberal, anti-American, anti-NATO and pro-Kremlin, making their rise a matter of serious concern for the national security interests of the United States.

Speaker: Craig Parsons, University of Oregon