Featured Events

June 16th, 2026: WACC Partner Program (Virtual) — Inside Iran: Context For Today’s Global Tensions

Join us for a timely and in-depth webinar examining the historical, political, and geopolitical dynamics shaping the current tensions between Iran, Israel, the United States, and the broader Middle East region. As headlines continue to focus on escalating conflict and uncertainty, this discussion aims to provide critical background, regional context, and informed analysis to help audiences better understand the roots of today’s challenges and their global implications.

June 16th, 2026: WACC Partner Program (Virtual) — Inside Iran: Context For Today’s Global Tensions2026-06-04T13:52:32-04:00

May 27th, 2026: WACC Speaker Series with David Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent at the New York Times, and Author — “New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West”

Few journalists have covered the shifting tides of American power more closely than Sanger. Geopolitics is playing a significant role in the new world order as the United States, Russia, and China fight for global supremacy through military strength, political maneuvering, technological advancements, and economic success. The war between Ukraine and Russia grinds on despite the international community's efforts to end the conflict. China and the U.S. are in a race to achieve AI greatness. America's global influence is waning, and its presence in the Middle East is destabilizing the region and creating major challenges for Americans right here at home. Join us for lunch as Sanger brings his signature insight to one of the most pressing questions of our time: Can America still defend Western ideals in an era of historic geopolitical change?

May 27th, 2026: WACC Speaker Series with David Sanger, White House and National Security Correspondent at the New York Times, and Author — “New Cold Wars: China’s Rise, Russia’s Invasion, and America’s Struggle to Defend the West”2026-06-16T11:52:25-04:00

May 14th, 2026: YPWACC International Artists Workshop Series: Threaded Memories with Ally Nolan and Nastassja Swift

On February 4th, the Young Professionals of the WACC will host the next installment of our Drink About It program series at Lost Worlds Brewing Charlotte in Midtown. This moderated panel discussion will explore the transformative power of art across cultures and borders and examine how artistic expression shapes global perspectives, challenges assumptions, and fosters connection in an increasingly interconnected world.

May 14th, 2026: YPWACC International Artists Workshop Series: Threaded Memories with Ally Nolan and Nastassja Swift2026-04-22T10:09:49-04:00

May 5th, 2026: WACC Ambassadors Circle Series with Ambassador Philip Reeker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, former Ambassador to North Macedonia, and Partner and Lead of the Europe and Eurasia Practice at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group

The U.S.–Europe relationship is entering a period of growing uncertainty and lack of trust, as U.S. policy increasingly focuses on domestic priorities, transactional diplomacy, and national security. At the same time, pressures from the Russia–Ukraine war, instability in the Middle East, climate challenges, and economic volatility are forcing Europe to confront difficult strategic choices. Join us on May 5 for a conversation with Philip Reeker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, as he shares insights on Europe’s shifting role and America’s response in an age of disruption.

May 5th, 2026: WACC Ambassadors Circle Series with Ambassador Philip Reeker, former Assistant Secretary of State for Europe and Eurasia, former Ambassador to North Macedonia, and Partner and Lead of the Europe and Eurasia Practice at DGA-Albright Stonebridge Group2026-03-26T12:09:26-04:00

April 20th, 2026: WACC Partner Program with Steven Cook, Senior Middle East Expert at the Council on Foreign Relations; Ambassador Deborah Jones, U.S. Ambassador (ret.) to Kuwait and Libya; and Beth Sanner, CNN National Security Contributor and former Deputy Director of National Intelligence — “The Iran War: What We Know, What Comes Next”

With the U.S. and Iran now in open conflict and the world’s energy supply under threat, the stakes could not be higher – or more uncertain. Join us on WorldNow with Jim Falk as we sit down with Steven Cook, senior Middle East expert at the Council on Foreign Relations; Amb. Deborah Jones, U.S. Ambassador (ret.) to Kuwait and Libya; and Beth Sanner, CNN National Security Contributor and former Deputy Director of National Intelligence. We’ll explore what’s happened so far in the conflict with Iran, what may happen next, and the war’s long-term impact on the region and beyond.

April 20th, 2026: WACC Partner Program with Steven Cook, Senior Middle East Expert at the Council on Foreign Relations; Ambassador Deborah Jones, U.S. Ambassador (ret.) to Kuwait and Libya; and Beth Sanner, CNN National Security Contributor and former Deputy Director of National Intelligence — “The Iran War: What We Know, What Comes Next”2026-04-17T16:43:41-04:00

April 15th, 2026: WACC Global Business Series with the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State – “Local Roots, Global Reach: Driving Economic Growth Through International Partnerships”

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte will host North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall on April 15 for a timely conversation on how international partnerships are fueling record-setting economic growth across the state. Secretary Marshall will discuss the role of foreign direct investment, global business relationships, and international engagement in strengthening North Carolina’s economy, creating jobs, and positioning communities across the state for long-term success.

April 15th, 2026: WACC Global Business Series with the Honorable Elaine F. Marshall, North Carolina Secretary of State – “Local Roots, Global Reach: Driving Economic Growth Through International Partnerships”2026-03-17T13:07:15-04:00

April 7th, 2026: WACC 2026 China Town Hall Conversation on “The U.S.-China AI Race” + 2026 Annual China Town Hall Hosted by the  National Committee on United States-China Relations (Virtual)

As China rolls out its ambitious 2026–2030 five-year plan to lead in AI, robotics, and quantum computing, and the U.S. pursues its “Winning the AI Race” strategy, both nations are accelerating toward technological dominance. Dr. Min Jiang will help us understand the complex intersection between global politics, foreign policy, and the accelerating competition on AI between China and the U.S.

April 7th, 2026: WACC 2026 China Town Hall Conversation on “The U.S.-China AI Race” + 2026 Annual China Town Hall Hosted by the  National Committee on United States-China Relations (Virtual)2026-03-18T15:38:02-04:00

March 31st, 2026: WACC Partner Program with James Lindsay, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations – “The Best & Worst: 250 Years of U.S. Foreign Policy” (Virtual)

James Lindsay, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, reveals his definitive rankings of the best and worst U.S. foreign policy decisions over the past 250 years.

March 31st, 2026: WACC Partner Program with James Lindsay, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations – “The Best & Worst: 250 Years of U.S. Foreign Policy” (Virtual)2026-03-18T14:42:06-04:00

March 12th, 2026: WACC National Security Series with General (Ret.) Paul Nakasone, U.S. Army Four-Star General, Former Director of the National Security Agency, Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security, and Former 3rd Commander of the United States Cyber Command

The World Affairs Council of Charlotte is honored to welcome General Paul M. Nakasone, a retired U.S. Army four-star general and one of the nation’s foremost leaders in cybersecurity and national defense, as a featured speaker in the WACC National Security Series on March 12, 2026. From 2018 to 2024, he led U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, overseeing national cyber defense, global intelligence operations, and the protection of critical infrastructure during a period of escalating cyber threats. Drawing on more than 30 years of military leadership, including combat deployments, General Nakasone will examine the global cyber threat landscape, the role of artificial intelligence and state-sponsored attacks, vulnerabilities facing governments and the private sector, and how cyber operations are reshaping modern conflict and national security. Now the Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security, he brings unparalleled insight into the future of cyber defense and global security.

March 12th, 2026: WACC National Security Series with General (Ret.) Paul Nakasone, U.S. Army Four-Star General, Former Director of the National Security Agency, Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security, and Former 3rd Commander of the United States Cyber Command2026-03-05T14:25:07-05:00

March 10th, 2026: WACC Partner Program with Dan Schnur, Political Analyst – “Tensions and Transitions: Change and Uncertainty in a Time of Global Conflict”

Join us on March 10th for this timely discussion as Dan Schnur explores explore the unfolding situation in Iran following recent U.S. and Israeli military strikes and the subsequent formation of an interim leadership council as Tehran begins a constitutional transition process. The discussion will examine how these events have affected regional security, global responses, and broader international dynamics in 2026. 

March 10th, 2026: WACC Partner Program with Dan Schnur, Political Analyst – “Tensions and Transitions: Change and Uncertainty in a Time of Global Conflict”2026-03-04T12:33:23-05:00
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