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.