America at 250 Global Forum

June 18, 2026, 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM CST
Chicago Council Conference Center
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As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the international order it championed for nearly eight decades has come under extraordinary pressure. All aspects of the US global role are under review, both at home and abroad. The choices this generation of global leaders make will be more consequential than ever, for businesses, workers, and leaders across the US, and for US partners and allies in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

The Council's America at 250 Global Forum will convene high-level policymakers, world-class scholars and experts, business leaders, and influential thought leaders to reflect on America’s past and inform its future. There is no more fitting place to convene as we examine global and geopolitical shifts, economic disruption, technological advances, and societal change. At this pivotal moment in America’s 250-year history, this forum will assess these forces to help inform the choices the next generation of leaders must make.

Location

Council Conference Center 
Prudential Plaza, 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60601

Attire

Business casual

Ticket Price

Council Members: Free 
Nonmembers: $199 (includes a one-year Council membership)

Breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and a networking reception are included.

Contact

For general inquiries or if you are a student interested in attending for a reduced rate, reach out to US250@globalaffairs.org.

Session Topics

Image of American polling place.
American Democracy As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, fundamental questions about the resilience of American democracy have emerged. This discussion examines the state of democratic institutions, the challenges they face, and what it takes to sustain democratic governance in a deeply polarized era.
Image of Wall Street sign.
Economy, Trade, and the Balance of Power Economic power is central to American influence, but shifts in trade, supply chains, and rising powers are reshaping the global landscape. This discussion explores how economic statecraft shapes the balance of power and America's future economic role in the world.
Image of immigrants arriving in America.
Immigration and American Prosperity Immigration has fueled American growth and innovation throughout history, yet it remains one of the most divisive issues in American politics. This discussion examines the economic, social, and political dimensions of immigration and how policy choices will shape American prosperity and competitiveness.
Image of protesters marching.
Freedom of Speech The First Amendment has been a cornerstone of American democracy for 250 years, but debates over misinformation, social media, and campus speech are testing its boundaries. This discussion explores what free speech means in practice today and how democratic societies can balance expression and other democratic values.
Image of US war planes.
National Security and Defense America's approach to national security is evolving amid great power competition, emerging technologies, and questions about the use of military force. This discussion examines the future of American defense policy, the role of alliances, and how the US secures its interests in a changing world.
Image of US astronaut on the moon.
Avenues for US Leadership and Innovation Throughout its history, the United States has tackled seemingly intractable challenges—landing on the moon, developing groundbreaking vaccines, harnessing nuclear energy. This discussion explores where America still has the capacity and will to solve big problems and lead in the decades ahead.

America at 250: The Arc of Global Influence

This content is part of the Council’s America at 250 initiative, a series of high-level dialogues, expert perspectives, public and private programs, and a signature conference focused on the critical questions that will define America’s future.
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