Past Events

Many of our past events—featuring world leaders, policymakers, journalists, authors, and other experts sharing their ideas and perspectives on critical global issues—are available to watch on-demand.
All past events, listed in chronological order.

The Rise of Illiberal Democracy: Lessons from Hungary

PAST EVENT VIDEO

David Pressman and Suzanne Nossel discuss Hungary's descent from democracy into illiberalism.

Dec 11
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stands at a podium with a microphone as a Hungarian flag waves in the foreground.
Denes Erdos / AP

EU-US Economic Relations Roundtable

PAST EVENT

Ben Carliner, Nora Hesse, and Diane Swonk discuss the economic outlook and recent policy developments in the European Union.

Dec 11
European Union flags flap in the wind as pedestrians walk by EU headquarters in Brussels
Virginia Mayo / AP

2025 Council Holiday Reception

PAST EVENT

Council donors and friends are invited to a special holiday reception to celebrate the successes of 2025 and look towards 2026.

Dec 10
Three attendees at a Council event gather around a table with drinks and converse.
Ana Miyares Photography

Chicago Architecture and the Aesthetics of Soft Power

PAST EVENT
Global Power, Chicago-Style

Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido, Sarah Herda, and Matthew Messner join YP members to discuss the storied history and global positioning of Chicago’s architecture.

Dec 4
A photo of the Chicago river at night, looking east towards the skyline.
Kiichiro Sato / AP

Public Opinion and the Future of US Foreign Policy

PAST EVENT

An expert roundtable convened in partnership with Bridging the Gap explores what public opinion data can indicate about the future of US foreign policy.

Dec 4
American flags lined up in front of the US Capitol ahead of President Joe Biden's inauguration on January 18, 2021.
Alex Brandon / AP

G20: What Comes Next as the US Takes Leadership?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

Lord Jim O’Neill, Brent Neiman, and Elizabeth Sidiropoulos share insights into how the G20 has changed and will continue under the upcoming US presidency with Leslie Vinjamuri.

Dec 4
Promotional sign for G20 in Miami in 2026.
Alex Brandon / AP

The Global War on Fentanyl

PAST EVENT

Jake Braun, Katie Tobin, and Cécile Shea analyze the federal government’s counter-fentanyl strategy in a partner event with the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy.

Dec 3
US Border Patrol agents and a dog check a vehicle at a checkpoint in California.
Elliot Spagat / AP

Consular Corps Reception 2025

PAST EVENT

A reception celebrating the Council's longtime collaboration with the Chicago Consular Corps.

Nov 18
Two women pose for a photo at the 2024 Consular Corps Reception.

Global Perceptions of US Defense in a Changing World

PAST EVENT

Emerging Leaders and Young Professional members are invited to a lunch and roundtable discussion on the US military with Alex Wagner.

Nov 18
The United States Air Force Thunderbirds perform during the Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach, California, on October 4, 2024.
Eric Thayer / AP

The US and China: Competition, Coexistence, or Collision?

PAST EVENT VIDEO

John Mearsheimer, Rana Mitter, and Leslie Vinjamuri discuss great power competition, strategic rivalry, and the evolving US-China relationship.

Nov 17
Leslie Vinjamuri, Rana Mitter, John Mearsheimer on the Council stage
Ana Miyares Photography