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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Video Series World Review with Ivo Daalder
Europe and Asia Respond to Trump's Return
President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025. President Donald Trump sits in the Oval Office on January 20, 2025. US Foreign Policy
Evan Vucci / AP
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Ken Moriyasu, Catherine Philp, and Prashant Rao join Ivo Daalder to discuss the week's top news stories.
A boy looks through a border wall separating Mexico from the United States from Tijuana, Mexico. A boy looks through a border wall separating Mexico from the United States from Tijuana, Mexico. A boy looks through a border wall separating Mexico from the United States from Tijuana, Mexico. A boy looks through a border wall separating Mexico from the United States from Tijuana, Mexico.
Jan
29
Gregory Bull / AP
Diplomacy or Discord? US-Mexico Relations at a Crossroads
Hybrid EVENT
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Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks in front of a Russian flag Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks in front of a Russian flag Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks in front of a Russian flag Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks in front of a Russian flag Public Opinion
Mikhail Klimentyev / Sputnik via AP
Russians Rally Around Putin's Foreign Policy
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey

Explore Public Opinion Research

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks at the Ronald Reagan Institute on the sideline of NATO Summit Public Opinion
Jose Luis Magana / AP
US Opinion Leaders Support Continued Aid to Ukraine
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey

While opinion leaders across party lines—as well as Democrats and Independents among the public—support continued assistance to Kyiv, everyday Republicans stand out in their opposition.

Israeli soldiers take up positions next to an entrance of a tunnel in Gaza Public Opinion
Leo Correa / AP
US Opinion Leaders Deeply Divided on Israel-Gaza War
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey

When it comes to the conflict in the Middle East, American foreign policy professionals are more divided along partisan lines than the general public.

Soldiers from NATO countries hold their respective flags Public Opinion
Mindaugas Kulbis / AP
Americans Largely Support Using US Troops to Defend Allies
RESEARCH Public Opinion Survey by Karl Friedhoff

The public also remains in favor of maintaining long-term military bases abroad.

Introducing the Emerging Leaders Class of 2025

Selected from a pool of highly competitive applicants, the Council's 2025 class of the Emerging Leaders Program includes 21 of Chicago’s best and brightest from some of its most prominent organizations.
Meet the Class
Headshots of the Emerging Leaders class of 2025
Video from Past Events
PAST EVENT VIDEO
A Conversation with Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias
Endy Zemenides and Nikos Dendias on the Council's stage. Endy Zemenides and Nikos Dendias on the Council's stage.
Ana Miyares Photography
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Greece Defense Minister Nikos Dendias discusses the country’s expanding strategic role.
Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center. Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center. Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center. Alisa Bhachu, Zaher Sahloul, and Suzanne Akhras speak onstage at the Chicago Council Conference Center.
Ana Miyares Photography
Rebuilding Syria
PAST EVENT VIDEO
Marco López, Andrew Selee, Katie Tobin, and Clifford Young on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs discussing how immigration is shaping elections around the world this year, including the US presidential election. Marco López, Andrew Selee, Katie Tobin, and Clifford Young on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs discussing how immigration is shaping elections around the world this year, including the US presidential election. Marco López, Andrew Selee, Katie Tobin, and Clifford Young on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs discussing how immigration is shaping elections around the world this year, including the US presidential election. Marco López, Andrew Selee, Katie Tobin, and Clifford Young on stage at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs discussing how immigration is shaping elections around the world this year, including the US presidential election.
Ana Miyares Photography
The Border at the Ballot Box
PAST EVENT VIDEO Election 2024

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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—anyone can join and shape the global conversation. If you seek to learn more, discuss more, do more, you belong here.
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Become a Council Member

Our members believe, as we do, that greater knowledge and engagement create a more open and promising world for all. Join our member community and get access to special events, briefings, and more.

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Become an Emerging Leader

Immerse yourself in a year-long program to deepen your understanding of global issues and develop the skills needed to become a global leader in Chicago. Learn more about the program and how to apply.

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Stay connected and engaged with our community and the greater world through our newsletters. Receive regular event invitations, research, commentary, and global news. Explore and subscribe today.

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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