The International Affairs Forum advances the understanding of critical global issues through education and public dialogue. IAF is a community-supported program of Northwestern Michigan College. Learn how you can support IAF here.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Powerful Women
October 8, 2025 | 6pm doors | 7pm screening
State Theatre Community Night
Documentary film screening with guest speaker
Madhvi Dalal, Founder of PadMad, social entrepreneur working in Kenya, Somaliland, and Malawi
Event partners | State Theatre, Uplift Travel, and NMC International Services & Service Learning
DETAILS | TICKETS COMING SOON
Note: This event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required.
Putting the Global Order Back Together
Christopher Preble, Senior Fellow and Director of the Reimagining US Grand Strategy program at the Stimson Center, and co-host of the “Net Assessment” podcast
Event partners | World Affairs Councils of America Engage America Series & The Quincy Institute Better Order Project
SUPPORT IAF @ TRAVERSE CITY HORSE SHOWS
Purchase tickets to Traverse City Horse Shows and support IAF through September 21. Enjoy world-class equestrian sport and fun summer vibes! When you choose IAF at checkout, general admission tickets support the International Affairs Forum and our mission.
The International Affairs Forum is honored to partner with The Old Art Building (OAB) to provide livestreaming of IAF programming at the OAB's facility at 111 S. Main Street, Leland. This important collaboration allows Leelanau County residents – for whom traveling to Traverse City may pose a barrier – to participate in IAF programming virtually. The OAB provides a complimentary wine reception prior to each event and an on-site host, who shares audience questions through a direct chat with the IAF's visiting experts. There is no cost to attend these satellite events. Learn more about OAB here.
PAST EVENTS
THE BLUE ECONOMY: MICHIGAN'S GLOBAL ROLE
Senior Fellow, Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College
Non-resident Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution
Former Director, Michigan Economic Center, University of Michigan
Director, Great Lakes Water Studies Institute, Northwestern Michigan College
Season sponsor | Mercantile Bank
SPECIAL EVENT
AUSTRALIA - U.S. RELATIONS:
SUBMARINES, CLIMATE CHANGE, & TRADE IN THE INDO-PACIFIC
October 3, 2024
CONSUL GENERAL CHRIS ELSTOFT
Consul General of Australia in Chicago
Senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade with previous service in India, Indonesia, Iraq and Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands.
Presented in partnership with the Old Art Building
Event to be held at 111 S. Main Street, Leland, MI
Tickets required for all attendees.
Senior Fellow, Center on the United States and Europe, Foreign Policy Program, Brookings Institution
Former deputy assistant to the president and senior director for European and Russian affairs on the U.S. National Security Council
Author of
There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the 21st Century
Event sponsor | Mercantile Bank
Who We Are
Learn moreCreating a Community of Global Citizens
Since its founding in 1994, the International Affairs Forum at NMC has brought season after season of diplomats, ambassadors, economists, military leaders, journalists, educators and other great minds to Traverse City to challenge us to think critically about issues of local and global significance.
This has included Ambassador Thomas Pickering, the 5-star general of America’s diplomatic corps; former Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff James A. Baker; leading international voices such as Rajmohan Gandhi and Iraqi Ambassador Faisal al-Istrabadi; top journalists and authors such as Dexter Filkins and Alfredo Corchado, and countless outstanding experts.
Through the years, thousands of IAF donors, students, and community members have participated in and benefitted from these programs. This is unique for a community of this size and a reason to celebrate!
We want you to be involved in IAF's exciting future. Support IAF by joining as a member. Make the most impact by becoming a Leadership Circle member -- at the Ambassador, Envoy, or Diplomat level -- to ensure that IAF continues to grow for future generations.
*IAF is a proud member of the World Affairs Councils of America, the largest independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to engaging the public and leading global voices to better understand the world, America's international role, and the policy choices that impact our daily lives and our future. The national network is comprised of more than 90 councils in more than 40 states.
Support
Learn moreIAF is a growing community resource that depends on active and engaged members. Join IAF's Leadership Circle, become an IAF member, sponsor an IAF event, or volunteer your skills.
Newsletter
SubscribeSubscribe to receive the IAF email newsletter. You may unsubscribe at any time. Thank you for your interest in the International Affairs Forum, a program of Northwestern Michigan College, and an affiliate of the World Affairs Councils of America.
