Earlier this winter, Bowling Green State University’s Department of History was well represented in the Great Decisions lecture series at the Wood County Senior Center, as two of our faculty brought historical insight to contemporary global issues.

In January, Dr. Amilcar Challu, History Professor, opened the 2026 series with a compelling talk on America’s changing role in the world. Drawing on his own experience from Argentina to the United States, Challu unpacked the concept of liberal internationalism, which is a post-World War II, rules-based order rooted in universal rights, multilateral cooperation, and cultural exchange. Through personal anecdotes, including how U.S. cultural diplomacy shaped his academic path, he illustrated how soft power underpinned U.S. global leadership for decades. Challu then contrasted this legacy with contemporary “America First” tendencies, urging citizens to reflect on the evolving international order and the importance of historical perspective in shaping future foreign policy.

More recently, Dr. Douglas Forsyth, Associate Professor of History, examined U.S. tariff policy and global economic strategy. Forsyth challenged the prevailing narrative that tariffs level the global playing field, arguing that indiscriminate tariffs against both allies and competitors represent a strategic failure. He noted that the United States continues to hold a dominant share of global GDP, undermining claims of exploitation by other nations, and highlighted how tariff-driven policies risk isolating the U.S. while strengthening China’s economic position. Forsyth also pointed to the regressive impact of tariffs on American consumers and cautioned about long-term economic vulnerabilities tied to sustained trade and budget deficits.

Together, these talks showcased our faculty’s deep engagement with pressing international questions and the value of historical analysis in public discussion. You can find out more about the other talks on the Wood County Committee on Aging’s Facebook page.