The Chicago Council for Global Affairs

Where your world and the world meet.

We are committed to fostering deeper understanding and expanding dialogue on global affairs through community engagement. Our in-depth analysis and expert-led research inform policy conversations and the insights we share with our growing community.
Learn more about our mission.
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Get Informed

Video Series World Review with Ivo Daalder
Niger Coup, Saudi Peace Summit, China’s Deflation
Niger coup Niger coup Niger coup Niger coup Global Politics
AP Photos
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Jamil Anderlini, Catherine Philp, and Peter Spiegel join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.
Matt Damon, from left, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Oppenheimer'. Matt Damon, from left, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Oppenheimer'. Matt Damon, from left, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Oppenheimer'. Matt Damon, from left, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere for the film 'Oppenheimer'. Defense and Security
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The Oppenheimer Effect: Reigniting Nuclear Awareness
Podcast Deep Dish on Global Affairs Podcast
Supporters of mutinous soldiers in Niger hold a sign reading "down with Macron" Supporters of mutinous soldiers in Niger hold a sign reading "down with Macron" Supporters of mutinous soldiers in Niger hold a sign reading "down with Macron" Supporters of mutinous soldiers in Niger hold a sign reading "down with Macron" Global Politics
AP Photos
What’s Tragic about the Coup in Niger
In the News Chicago Tribune Elizabeth Shackelford
Police and military patrol Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico Police and military patrol Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico Police and military patrol Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico Police and military patrol Culiacan, Sinaloa state, Mexico US Foreign Policy
AP Photos
Another War on Drugs Won't Solve the Fentanyl Crisis
In the News Responsible Statecraft Emma Sanderson
In-Person EVENT
2023 Council Community Open House
Mark Williams, Council President Sarah Gilbert, and Raj K. Fernando. Mark Williams, Council President Sarah Gilbert, and Raj K. Fernando.
Sep
13
Join the Council for an open house experience and connect with a community of globally conscious thinkers.
Register
Sustainable urban development Sustainable urban development Sustainable urban development Sustainable urban development Global Cities
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Aligning ESG and SDGs at the Urban Level
RESEARCH Report by Kris Hartley
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang US Foreign Policy
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The Slow, Bumpy Road of US-China Diplomacy
In the News The National Interest Paul Heer

Our Centers of Expertise

Biden in India
Reuters
Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy

Informing US foreign policy and national security discussions and debates through public opinion research, policy analysis, and public engagement.

City
Center on Global Cities

Elevating global cities as central actors shaping world affairs and advancing city-based solutions to global challenges.

Market
Center on Global Food and Agriculture

Identifying opportunities for US leadership in advancing global food security and nutrition and alleviating poverty through agricultural development.

Meet Our Experts
All Experts
Council expert Saeid Golkar

Saeid Golkar

Nonresident Senior Fellow, Iran Policy
Saeid Golkar is a senior fellow on Iran Policy and a visiting assistant professor in the department of political science and public service at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Previously, he was an adjunct professor for the Middle East and North African Studies Program and a visiting scholar at Buffett Institute for Global Studies at Northwestern University.
More about Saeid
Headshot of Caitlin Grady with a gray background.

Caitlin Grady

Nonresident Fellow, Global Food and Agriculture
Dr. Caitlin Grady is an Assistant Professor in the Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department at The George Washington University in Washington DC.
More about Caitlin
Council expert Alaina Harkness

Alaina Harkness

Nonresident Fellow, Global Cities
As executive director for Current, Chicago's water innovation hub, Alaina Harkness leads a team working to grow the blue economy, accelerate innovation, and solve pressing water challenges. She most recently served as managing director for the economic development firm RW Ventures, where she helped develop inclusive growth strategies for cities and metropolitan regions.
More about Alaina
All Experts

Our Research

Russians walk past the Red Square Lester Crown Center on US Foreign Policy
AP Photos
Western Sanctions Have Largely Spared Ordinary Russians
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey

Russians report limited impact of Western-imposed sanctions and continued support for the war in Ukraine.

Busy New York streets. Center on Global Cities
iStock
Democracy and the Life of Cities
RESEARCH Report

Samuel Kling, Florita Gunasekara, and Steven Bosacker examine the role of cities in generating and strengthening democratic practices as authoritarianism rises across much of the world.

A shelf of milk and alternative milks at a grocery store is pictured. Center on Global Food and Agriculture
Kenny Eliason
Bridging the Gap: A "Sustainable Food Seal"
RESEARCH Report

A "sustainable food seal" empowers consumers and farmers to support a more sustainable food supply chain.

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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Video from Past Events

PAST EVENT VIDEO
What Young Americans Think about Nuclear Weapons
a nuclear cloud a nuclear cloud
Canva
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Experts discuss the Council’s latest polling on nuclear issues and what more can be done to engage the next generation.
General Charles Q. Brown General Charles Q. Brown General Charles Q. Brown General Charles Q. Brown
Reuters
Gen. Brown on the Air Force, Equity, and Inclusion
PAST EVENT VIDEO
Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen
REUTERS
Secretary Janet L. Yellen on International Economic Policy
PAST EVENT VIDEO

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 and Join