Schiff
Past Event
Senator Adam Schiff
Thomas-Greenfield
Past Event
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
US Ambassador to the United Nations
Petraeus
Past Event
General David Petraeus
Former Director of the CIA
Mardini
Past Event
Yusra Mardini, Refugee Olympic Athlete
UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador
Slide 5
World Affairs Council of Orange County
Opportunity to Engage With Leaders
Graham
Past Event
Senator Lindsey Graham
Bell
Past Event
Ambassador Colleen Bell
Stavridis
Past Event
Admiral Stavridis
Duhaut-Bedos
Past Event
Julie Duhaut-Bedos
Consul General of France
Join
Become a Member
Join the World Affairs Council of OC
Shirk
Past Event
Susan L. Shirk
Founding Chair of the 21st Century China Center
Rogers
Past Event
Admiral Rogers
Former Director of the NSA
McMaster
Past Event
LTG H.R. McMaster
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Aldrin
Past Event
Buzz Aldrin
Astronaut, Engineer, and Fighter Pilot
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Upcoming Events
Become a Member
Past Event Recaps
Community Discussion
Sponsors


Meet and Learn from people that shape our World

As a World Affairs Council member, you join a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about expanding international awareness. Members participate in world class events featuring speakers who provide the stories behind the headlines as well as special receptions and gatherings.

As a member you will have the opportunity to build relationships with other liked minded individuals and professionals that are in the local international affairs community. Your membership is valuable in supporting World Affairs Council programming and student outreach in the community.

Upcoming Events

The Trillion Dollar War Machine: The Cost of American Military Spending

The Trillion Dollar War Machine: The Cost of American Military Spending

Date:
Wed Jan 21, 2026 – 4:00 pm
WorldNow, hosted by Jim Falk, is a webinar series that provides conversations with groundbreaking authors, influential newsmakers and thought leaders brought to you by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and Global Santa Fe. The U.S. spends nearly a trillion …
India's Textile Legacy and Global Influence

India’s Textile Legacy and Global Influence

Date:
Fri Jan 23, 2026 – 6:00 pm
Location:
Bowers Museum, North Main Street, Santa Ana, CA, USA
Update: Consulate General of India in LA, Dr. K J Srinivasa will attend and provide remarks at the start of the program. Join us at the Bowers Museum for an illuminating program exploring the global significance of India’s textile traditions …
The Great Firewall: Surveillance, Censorship, & Connection on the Chinese Internet

The Great Firewall: Surveillance, Censorship, & Connection on the Chinese Internet

Date:
Tue Feb 10, 2026 – 4:00 pm
WorldNow, hosted by Jim Falk, is a webinar series that provides conversations with groundbreaking authors, influential newsmakers and thought leaders brought to you by the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and Global Santa Fe. Thirty years ago, the world began …
Cutting Through Red Tape: The OC Guide to International Business

Cutting Through Red Tape: The OC Guide to International Business

Date:
Wed Feb 25, 2026 – 6:00 pm
Location, pricing, and RSVP details to be announced. Cutting Through Red Tape: The OC Guide for International Business is a bold, solutions-focused program designed to help international businesses navigate the legal and regulatory landscape of Orange County. Hosted by the …
Susan Shirk: U.S. & China

Susan Shirk: U.S. & China

Date:
Thu Mar 5, 2026 – 5:00 pm
Keynote speaker, Susan Shirk, research professor and director emeritus of its 21st Century China Center at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy will speak on current U.S. and China relations at Soka University on Thursday 5 …

Membership Levels

Join our community committed to strengthening awareness and engagement with the world beyond our borders.

Discounted
Membership Levels

$25 – $85/year
  • Student, Young Professional, Academic & Veteran rates
  • Discounted rate for all events
  • Special eligibility requirements apply
Learn More

Patron
Membership Levels

$95 – $1,000/year
  • Individual, Family, Attaché & Consul levels
  • Member-only invitations
  • Board eligibility and special perks at higher levels
Learn More

Premium
Membership Levels

$2,500 – $100,000/year or lifetime
  • Diplomat, Ambassador, Founders Club levels
  • VIP programs, exclusive dinners & tours
  • Lifetime options with permanent recognition
Learn More

Members Only
Program Discounts

25% – 50% Discounts
  • 25% discount on dinner programs
  • 50% discount on non-dinner events
  • Available to all membership levels
Learn More

Past Event Recaps

A quick look at some of our recent events.

More Event Recaps »

Community Discussion

The “Global South” Isn’t a Place. It’s a Position.

The “Global South” Isn’t a Place. It’s a Position.

/ Africa, Asia, Blog, China, South America
In today’s global landscape, terminology is never just descriptive— it’s diplomatic. And the language we use to frame the world often reveals more about power …
2024 Paris Olympics - The Whole World is Watching

2024 Paris Olympics – The Whole World is Watching

/ Blog, Europe
It would be an understatement to say that the Olympics is a monumental event that touches the hearts of everyone around the world. To some, …
Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

/ Blog, Latin America, North America
According to Courthouse News, some of President Sheinbaum’s promises during her presidency include scholarships for basic education, better salaries for teachers, increases in minimum wage, …
Global Impacts of U.S. AI Policy: Balancing Regulation, Competition, and Optimism

Global Impacts of U.S. AI Policy: Balancing Regulation, Competition, and Optimism

/ Blog, China, North America
U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Privacy, Technology and the Law hearing on artificial intelligence. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky) Artificial Intelligence (AI) Regulation and Competition Between COVID-19, …
Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

Mexico’s First Female President & the World’s 29th Female Head of Government

/ Blog, Latin America, North America
From Reuters, “‘for the first time in the 200 years of the republic I will become the first woman president of Mexico,’ Sheinbaum told supporters …
What is “All Eyes on Rafah”?: A Social Media Slogan Turned Social Advocacy Movement

What is “All Eyes on Rafah”?: A Social Media Slogan Turned Social Advocacy Movement

/ Blog, Middle East
Following an Israeli ground offensive operation in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, an AI-generated image containing the slogan “All Eyes on Rafah” …

Sponsors

Advanced Office
R&D Medical
First American Trust
Tomassian, Inouye & Grigorian LLP

Community Partners

Chapman
SOKA
Fullerton
UCI
ACG OC

As a World Affairs Council member, you join a diverse group of individuals who are passionate about expanding international awareness. Members participate in world class events featuring speakers who provide the stories behind the headlines as well as special receptions and gatherings. What we offer, above all else, is ACCESS. Access to speakers, access to information, access to a community of global thinkers.