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  • Decolonizing African Agriculture: Food, Security, & the Need for Radical Transformation with Bill Moseley

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    We welcome Bill Moseley, Dewitt Wallace Professor of Geography, Macalester College    This presentation examines the evolution of food security and agricultural development in post-colonial Africa and outlines a more sustainable path forward. Challenging the long-held assumption that increased production alone can end hunger, it argues for rethinking agriculture as a valued livelihood rather than […]

  • Great Decisions Lunch and Learn: U.S. Engagement of Africa

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

      Join us for informal Lunch & Learn sessions tied to the World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions global discussion series, co-hosted with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum.   Each session includes lunch, a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the week’s topic, and a guided discussion led by World Affairs Council and […]

    Free

  • Fostering a Fourth Democratic Wave: Countering the Authoritarian Threat with Hardy Merriman

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    We welcome Hardy Merriman,  former President of the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict (ICNC)   A powerful autocratic wave is sweeping the globe. According to various measures, authoritarian governments have risen and democracies have declined worldwide over the past two decades. To ensure long-term peace, security, and human rights for billions of people, it is […]

  • The U.S. in a Changing Global Order with Ambassador (ret.) Michael McKinley

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    We welcome Ambassador (ret.) Michael McKinley, senior counselor, the Cohen Group    What does it mean for the United States to navigate a world of intensifying conflicts, shifting alliances, and renewed great-power competition? From ongoing wars to economic and technological rivalry, U.S. foreign policy is being reshaped in real time. This program explores the current […]

  • Great Decisions Lunch and Learn: U.S. Foreign Policy

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

      Join us for informal Lunch & Learn sessions tied to the World Affairs Council’s Great Decisions global discussion series, co-hosted with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation and Museum.   Each session includes lunch, a 30-minute Foreign Policy Association video on the week’s topic, and a guided discussion led by World Affairs Council and […]

    Free

  • POSTPONED: Nuclear Risk in a Changing World with Page Stoutland

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    NOTE: THIS EVENT IS POSTPONED, RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY, MAY 12. We welcome Page Stoutland, former consultant, NTI    The risk of nuclear weapon use is widely viewed as higher today than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing security alliances appear to be weakening, prompting additional states to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. […]

  • From West Michigan to the World: The Global Economy at Home with Randy Thelen and Bradley T. French

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    We welcome Randy Thelen, President & CEO of The Right Place and Bradley T. French, Member and Chief Strategy Officer, Bodman PLC.     From manufacturing exports and international investment to supply chains and trade policy, global forces play a powerful role in shaping regional economic futures. How do the current global economic trends affect our current […]

  • A Taste of Munich – March Global Mixer

    Küsterer Brauhaus 642 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI

    Join us for our next Global Mixer, 'A Taste of Munich' at the Küsterer Brauhaus on Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm.  Guests will enjoy a selection of German charcuterie skewers, Kraut Knödel (balls) with dressing, Pretzel Bites with Bierkäse (cheese) and three 5oz Bier tastings with a little history presentation and tour.  The Küsterer Brauhaus […]

    $37.00

  • Vandenberg Prize with General (ret.) H. R. McMaster

    Frederik Meijer Gardens 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

      Vandenberg Prize with General (ret.) H.R. McMaster April 7 @ 12:00-1:45 P.M. Huizenga Grand Room @ the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Networking from 11:30-Noon, with program beginning at Noon. Vandenberg Award Recipient: General (ret.) H. R. McMaster   Hillman/Orr Award Recipient: To be announced   The World Affairs Council of Western Michigan […]

    $175.00 – $2,500.00

  • Consul Luncheon featuring Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit

    Frederik Meijer Gardens 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    Please join us for a dialogue with Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori, Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit.   Consul-General Hajime “Jimmy” Kishimori is the Consul-General of the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, whose main mission is to protect and support Japanese expatiates and companies in the states of Michigan and Ohio. He is […]

    $50.00 – $500.00

  • Nuclear Risk in a Changing World with Page Stoutland

    Gerald R. Ford Presidential Mueum 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

    We welcome Page Stoutland, former consultant, NTI    The risk of nuclear weapon use is widely viewed as higher today than at any point since the Cold War. Long-standing security alliances appear to be weakening, prompting additional states to consider developing their own nuclear capabilities. Weapons-usable nuclear materials remain in many countries, presenting proliferation and […]

  • WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF WESTERN MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

    Featured
    Varnum 333 Bridge Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, United States

            Thursday, June 11, 2026 5:30 pm Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Members of the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan (the “Council”) will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Social time immediately precedes (5:00) and follows the meeting. Varnum LLP Bridgewater Place, 17th […]

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Program Series

Great Decisions

CHINA Town Hall

WorldQuest™

Global Business Roundtable

The Vandenberg Prize

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Memberships

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Senator

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Education

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