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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

Cross Border Advantage: International Business Success in the U.S.

Date:

Wed Feb 25, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Location:

17877 Von Karman Ave suite 500, Irvine, CA 92614, USA

Networking, Strategy and Business Cross Border Advantage: International Business Success in the U.S. is a bold, solutions-focused program designed to help international businesses navigate the legal and regulatory landscape of Orange County. Hosted by the World Affairs Council of Orange ...

Partner Event: U.S.- China Tensions—Past, Present, and Future

Date:

Fri Feb 27, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Location:

1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA

This is a partner event with The Library Foundation of Newport Beach. Use Discount code "WACOC" upon registration. U.S.- China Tensions—Past, Present, and Future Friday, February 27, 7:00pm Saturday, February 28, 2:00pm (Held at the Central Library, Friends room) Dr ...

Susan Shirk: U.S. & China

Date:

Thu Mar 5, 2026 - 5:00 pm

Location:

Soka University of America, University Drive, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA

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 ...

Partner Event: International Relations and the Future of Global Economy

Date:

Fri Mar 27, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Location:

1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92660

This is a partner event with The Library Foundation of Newport Beach. Use Discount code "WACOC" upon registration. International Relations and the Future of Global Economy Friday, March 27, 7:00pm Saturday, March 28, 2:00pm An economist, author, and economic advisor ...

Global Analysis with Ambassador Michael McFaul

Date:

Fri Apr 17, 2026 - 6:00 pm

Date and Time: 4/17/2026 at 6:00 P.M. Location: UCI Registration opens soon! Join the World Affairs Council of Orange County for an evening with Ambassador Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, Stanford University professor, and one of America’s most ...

Partner Event: Connect with Anyone, Anywhere: Power of Photography

Date:

Fri Apr 17, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Location:

1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92660

This is a partner event with The Library Foundation of Newport Beach. Use Discount code "WACOC" upon registration. Connect with Anyone, Anywhere: Power of Photography Friday, April 17, 7:00pm Saturday, April 18, 2:00pm Annie Griffith One of the first women ...

Thank you to our Supporting Partners

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.