Reference Shelf: National Debate Topic, 2025-2026

Each year since 1925, students from around the country engage in debates informed by the
National Forensic League’s (NFL) yearly national debate topic. Subjects under consideration for this year’s debate topic include the Arctic Region, U.S. Engagement with India, American Military Presence Overseas, Recognition of Emerging Nation States, and Defense Cooperation with South Asia. Through samples of the best and most recent journalism and popular writing on the chosen topic, The Reference Shelf provides an essential guide for students, teachers, and others interested in taking a deeper look at some of the most pressing and popular controversies in this current moment of American history.