Maintaining an Active Voice in World Affairs

​Promote global identity in the Upstate. Sustain international engagement in our region. Get involved in leading intellectual discussions on critical issues facing the world. At World Affairs Council Upstate, we are participants in shaping a global tomorrow. Join us in fostering a broad perspective of our ever increasing inter-dependent world by sponsoring, donating, or becoming a member of World Affairs Council Upstate.

Dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of global affairs and cultures, and supported by individuals and businesses, Upstate International engages globally-minded South Carolinians directly with each other and with elected officials, civic leaders, and professionals from around the world. Upstate International works with partner organizations to reach all generations and sectors and is always looking to enhance those partnerships and collaborations.

WACA-LogoAbout WACA

“The World Affairs Councils of America is the largest nonprofit  grassroots organization in the United States dedicated to educating and engaging Americans on global issues with nearly 100 councils across 40 states reaching more than half a million people a year.” Learn more at www.worldaffairscouncils.org.

WACU Programs

Every year, the nation-wide network of World Affairs Councils collectively conducts more than 1200 programs in communities and cities across the nation. Each council sets is own calendar and programs. The WACA offers a number of programs every year, including our annual National Conference, national program series, Leadership Missions, and special programs. It also acts as a distribution center for five national flagship programs: Academic WorldQuest, It’s Your World!, Great Decisions, Travel the World, and World in Transition.

Upcoming WACU events:

America and the World Lecture Series

  • January 17 – The U.S. Relationship with Latin America
  • February 21 – Africa and the U.S.
  • March 15 – The United States and the Middle East
  • April 18 – The United States and Iran

Distinguished Speakers: 

  • February 21 – TODAY Show Guy is Your New Neighbor: Bob Dotson.  Click here to register
  • April 19 – General Hans Ilis-Alm, Chairman Coalition Forces, U.S. Central Command

Cover To Cover

Cover to Cover is a monthly program featuring the most influential authors on subjects of national and international importance.

Offered as a benefit to all current WACA Member Councils, Cover to Cover conference calls are opportunities for Council leaders, members, and supporters to engage with esteemed authors on critical issues. Cover to Cover authors often welcome invitations to speak at Councils. In short, the WACA National Office covers a topic with an expert so that Councils may discover a speaker and cover the topic in even greater depth in their own communities, spearheading a national conversation.

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Podcast

WACA Podcasts feature the most influential authors and experts on subjects of national and international importance. Moderated by WACA President and CEO Bill Clifford.

Listen to the Latest Podcast

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Know Now

KNOW NOW Conference Call Series

The World Affairs Councils of America is pleased to present the Know Now conference call series. These calls will feature global thought leaders hosted by WACA as well as local authorities in government, business, academia and cultural fields who are identified and moderated by local Councils, using our national conference call platform to bring local and national issues of global dimensions to our network.

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Leadership Mission

Leadership Missions

For more than two decades, the World Affairs Councils of America has been invited to bring small delegations of council leaders to learn about a host country.  A leadership mission is an overseas fact-finding visit to a city, country, or international organization by a national leadership delegation of the World Affairs Council movement.

More Information

WACU Steering Committee

Alexander Akulli
Director, Center for International Studies, USC Upstate

John O Allen Jr.
Market President & Sr. Trust Office,  Argent Trust Company

Elizabeth Feather
Director of Research, Upstate SC Alliance

Katherine Palmer Kaup
James B. Duke Professor of Asian Studies and Political Science, Furman University

William Lasser
Executive Director, Calhoun Honors College, Clemson University

Reid Lohr, Chair
Managing Director, EDI Group

Rob Rowen  President, Global Action Coalition

Klaus Westerwelle
Vice President, New Business Development, Transdomo