The Chicago Council for Global Affairs

The World Needs You

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to empowering you to help create a more open and promising world for all. We put you at the center of conversations on global challenges, amplify your views on critical issues, and illuminate our world and how we are all connected.
Learn more about us.
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Get Informed

Video Series World Review with Ivo Daalder
US-Saudi Defense Pact, A Weakening Europe, Myanmar’s Civil War
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting in Saudi Arabia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting in Saudi Arabia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting in Saudi Arabia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meeting in Saudi Arabia Global Politics
Pool Reuters
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Deborah Amos, Steven Erlanger, and Giles Whittell join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.
Award-winning journalist David Sanger shared insights from his new book, "New Cold Wars," and discussed the struggle between the US, Russia, and China for global influence with Council CEO Ivo Daalder. Award-winning journalist David Sanger shared insights from his new book, "New Cold Wars," and discussed the struggle between the US, Russia, and China for global influence with Council CEO Ivo Daalder. Award-winning journalist David Sanger shared insights from his new book, "New Cold Wars," and discussed the struggle between the US, Russia, and China for global influence with Council CEO Ivo Daalder. Award-winning journalist David Sanger shared insights from his new book, "New Cold Wars," and discussed the struggle between the US, Russia, and China for global influence with Council CEO Ivo Daalder.
Ana Miyares Photography
New Cold Wars: A Conversation with David Sanger
PAST EVENT VIDEO
a Chinese flag hangs near an automated parcel handling line at a warehouse for an online retailer in Beijing a Chinese flag hangs near an automated parcel handling line at a warehouse for an online retailer in Beijing a Chinese flag hangs near an automated parcel handling line at a warehouse for an online retailer in Beijing a Chinese flag hangs near an automated parcel handling line at a warehouse for an online retailer in Beijing Public Opinion
Mark Schiefelbein / AP
Americans Want US Leaders to Focus More on China and Southern Border
Blog Running Numbers by Dina Smeltz
ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin
Monaco on Lake Michigan? How NASCAR's second annual street race hopes to boost Chicago's economy
Michael Annett drives on the track during a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race practice at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Michael Annett drives on the track during a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race practice at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Ill. Global Cities
Nam Y. Huh / AP
Vying for international expansion, NASCAR's Grant Park race—akin to iconic global events like Monaco GP—bolsters Chicago's economy with a $109M impact.
People sit on the terrace of a cafe in Paris People sit on the terrace of a cafe in Paris People sit on the terrace of a cafe in Paris People sit on the terrace of a cafe in Paris Global Cities
Thibault Camus / AP
Many global cities are expanding outdoor dining, so what makes Chicago's Clark Street an exception?
Blog ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin
An aerial shot of the inside of Soldier Field, with planes flying overhead An aerial shot of the inside of Soldier Field, with planes flying overhead An aerial shot of the inside of Soldier Field, with planes flying overhead An aerial shot of the inside of Soldier Field, with planes flying overhead Global Cities
Kamil Krzaczynski / AP
How are sports stadiums funded globally, and what does it mean for Chicago?
Blog ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin

Get Involved

We're building a community of globally curious people who want to deepen their understanding of the world and actively participate in it. We each have a role to play—you don't need to be an expert to join and shape the global conversation. If you seek to learn more, discuss more, do more, you belong here.
Join the conversation.
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Watch Event Video

PAST EVENT VIDEO
Justice beyond Borders: Prosecuting War Crimes
Leila Sadat, David Scheffer, and Anjli Parrin in conversation on the Chicago Council Conference Center stage. Leila Sadat, David Scheffer, and Anjli Parrin in conversation on the Chicago Council Conference Center stage. Play the video
Leila Sadat, David Scheffer, and Anjli Parrin discuss the challenges of defining, investigating, and prosecuting war crimes.
Penny Pritzker speaks onstage at the Chicago Council. Penny Pritzker speaks onstage at the Chicago Council. Penny Pritzker speaks onstage at the Chicago Council. Penny Pritzker speaks onstage at the Chicago Council.
Special Representative Penny Pritzker Reflects on Ukraine's Economic Recovery
PAST EVENT VIDEO
From left to right on the Council's stage Pia Wanek, Rebecca Wolfe, and Nathaniel Raymond. From left to right on the Council's stage Pia Wanek, Rebecca Wolfe, and Nathaniel Raymond. From left to right on the Council's stage Pia Wanek, Rebecca Wolfe, and Nathaniel Raymond. From left to right on the Council's stage Pia Wanek, Rebecca Wolfe, and Nathaniel Raymond.
Humanitarian Aid in Conflict
PAST EVENT VIDEO

Join Our Community

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Members

Our members believe, as we do, that greater knowledge and engagement create a more open and promising world for all. They're part of a community that knows engaging more with the world means engaging more with each other and diverse points of view.

Graphic grid of the Emerging Leaders Class of 2024
Emerging Leaders

Emerging Leaders spend a year deepening their understanding of global issues and cultivate the skills they need to step into roles as a global leaders in Chicago. Applications for the class of 2025 will open July 10.

Two members of the Young Professionals Network at an outdoor event.
YP Network

Young professionals in Chicago turn to the Council to deepen their understanding of the world and grow their personal and professional networks. You can help shape our global future, and we are here to connect you with opportunities to increase your impact.

Support Our Mission

Open Minds Open Possibilities

If you believe, as we do, that greater knowledge and engagement create a more open and promising world for all, you can support our mission to  make global affairs more accessible to more people. Join or donate today to expand your world view and increase your impact. Donate