Speaker Series

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on October 3 for an exclusive luncheon featuring two renowned experts on U.S.-China relations: Dean Shelley Rigger of Davidson College and Tate Nurkin, a leading authority on defense and Indo-Pacific security. This in-depth presentation will examine China's expanding global role, including its growing economic and political influence, military modernization, and technological advancements.

Join us for an inspiring WACC Speaker Series luncheon featuring Talmage Boston, renowned author of "How the Best Did It: Leadership From Our Top Presidents," on September 25. Discover the secrets behind the leadership styles of America’s most influential presidents and how their principles can be applied to modern leadership challenges. Talmage Boston will share captivating insights and powerful lessons from his extensive research, making this a must-attend event for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.

Join us on September 24 for an intimate WACC Private Dinner featuring Talmage Boston, the esteemed author of "How the Best Did It: Leadership From Our Top Presidents." This special event, limited to just 24 participants, offers a unique opportunity to explore the leadership styles of America’s most influential presidents.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and the National Committee on U.S. - China Relations on Tuesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. ET for a virtual discussion with Dr. Shelley Rigger, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty and Brown Professor of Asian Politics at Davidson College on China-US relations followed by a for a nationwide live stream event at 6:30 p.m. ET with a Q&A with Kurt Campbell, nominee for Deputy Secretary of State. He will examine the challenges and opportunities for both countries as they confront the most critical issues of the 21st century.

Step into the world of international affairs and gain invaluable insights at the World Affairs Council of Charlotte's highly anticipated event on Thursday, December 14, 2023. Join us for a captivating WACC Speaker Series luncheon featuring the esteemed Dr. Fiona Hill, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and Former Senior Director for European and Russian Affairs on the National Security Council. Dr. Fiona Hill's expertise in U.S. foreign policy, Russia, national security, and ongoing geopolitical challenges from Russia's invasion into Ukraine makes her an exceptional voice to guide us through the complexities of international affairs. Her unique insights and experiences shed light on the intricate dynamics shaping the global landscape.

Join us on October 11, 2023, for an enlightening WACC Speaker Series luncheon with Daniel Runde. He is a senior VP at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and author of "The American Imperative: Reclaiming Global Leadership through Soft Power." Runde presents a captivating perspective on reclaiming global leadership, highlighting the pivotal role of soft power. Discover how diplomacy, economic engagement, and cultural exchange can effectively address global challenges. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a profound understanding of soft power's significance in shaping global leadership.

Join us on September 7 for an enlightening presentation by Dr. Nina Ansary, a distinguished scholar, author, and renowned expert on women's rights and gender equality. Dr. Ansary's extensive research and activism have positioned her as a leading figure in the movement to empower women in Iran. This conversation is timely as we approach the one year anniversary of the brutal murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was detained, beaten, and placed in a coma by Iran's morality police, the Gasht-e Ershad. This horrific event sparked an unprecedented wave of outrage and protests across the nation and the world.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte for a WACC Speakers Series Luncheon on Thursday, May 18 with Dr. Michael O’Hanlon, Senior Foreign Policy Fellow at the Brookings Institution. He will answer your questions on overarching military and defense trends and themes of our time, along with the lessons for the military strategists and political leaders of today and tomorrow. He will also share his thoughts on the war in Ukraine and potential for war over Taiwan.

Join the World Affairs Council of Charlotte on Tuesday, January 17 for a presentation by Tom Standage, the Editor of "The World Ahead 2023" (The Economist) as he offers informed predictions, comprehensive analysis from foreign policy and current event experts, summary of the global economic outlook, and critical insight into issues that will be major touch points in the new year.