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
From Warfighting to Humanitarian Operations – A Special Conversation with Chief of Naval Operations ADM Lisa Franchetti
Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations Defense and Security
Chad J. McNeeley/Department of Defense
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Admiral Lisa Franchetti, Chief of Naval Operations joins the Council’s Ivo Daalder for a special episode of World Review.
Migrants line up at the US border wall Migrants line up at the US border wall Migrants line up at the US border wall Migrants line up at the US border wall Public Opinion
Christian Chavez / AP
Democrats and Republicans Starkly Divided on Immigration Policy
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey by Craig Kafura
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
ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey
Why a German publisher made a board game about Chicago's sewers
Lithograph of raising of a block of brick buildings on Lake Street, Chicago Lithograph of raising of a block of brick buildings on Lake Street, Chicago Culture
Edward Mendel
Raising Chicago introduces players to an underexplored part of Chicago's early history. The game's transatlantic journey reflects global shifts in the booming board gaming market.
In-motion image of racecars with the Chicago skyline in the background In-motion image of racecars with the Chicago skyline in the background In-motion image of racecars with the Chicago skyline in the background In-motion image of racecars with the Chicago skyline in the background Global Cities
Morry Gash / AP
Monaco on Lake Michigan? How NASCAR's second annual street race hopes to boost Chicago's economy
Blog ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin
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

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

Audience with raised hands.
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