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“A well informed electorate is a prerequisite to democracy.”
Thomas Jefferson

Meet and learn from the people who 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.

Events

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

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

Date:

Tue Feb 10, 2026 - 4:00 pm

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

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 ...

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Join the WAC of Orange County

The World Affairs Councils of America was founded in 1918.

It is the largest nonprofit international affairs organization in the United States.

Get to know us

Impacting American Foreign Policy

Engaging thought leaders, change-makers, and citizens to share ideas, learn from each other, and effect change.
The World Affairs Councils of America is the largest non-profit grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues with 94 councils across 40 states reaching more than half a million people a year.

Welcome to Orange County’s Premier Forum
on World Affairs

Cultivating Political Discussion

We are part of the World Affairs Councils of America, a nonprofit and nonpartisan national organization based in Washington, DC. See what’s happening around America.