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.
Five Years After The Fall of Kabul:
The Afghan Connection in Traverse City
September 3, 2026 | 6:30 - 8:30pm
Amb. Greta C. Holtz, President & CEO, AmidEast, former U.S. Ambassador to Oman (2012-2015)
Karen Puschel Segal
(moderator) retired U.S. Diplomat, Coordinator for the Afghan Migrant Ministry Project, Traverse City
Segal Diplomacy Series
U.S. Intelligence in The 21st Century
September 17, 2026 | 6pm reception | 7pm ET program
Paul Hollingsworth, President, Association of Former Intelligence Officers, former CIA Executive Director
Support provided by a gift from Laura Stein Goldfeder & Leigh Stein McNamara in memory of Jack Segal and in recognition of Karen Puschel Segal.
IAF Gala
An Evening of Political Insight & Global Perspective
October 15, 2026 | 6pm - 9pm
Hagerty Center, Great Lakes Campus
Northwestern Michigan College
The International Affairs Forum invites you to its 2nd Annual Gala fundraiser featuring Candy Crowley, award-winning journalist, former CNN Chief Political Correspondent & host of State of the Union with Candy Crowley.
Note: This special event is not included with IAF membership. Tickets are required.
33rd Season | Gold Sponsors
Iran, Middle East Instability & National Security
October 22, 2026 | 6pm reception | 7pm ET program
Javed Ali,
Associate Professor of Practice, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan; former Defense Intelligence Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation
Boiling Point: How America Brought War To Ukraine
November 12, 2026 | 6pm reception | 7pm ET program
Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times foreign correspondent, award-winning writer & bestselling author; Senior Fellow in International & Public Affairs, Watson School of International & Public Affairs, Brown University
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 the Old Art Building here.
The International Affairs Forum thanks the Zonta Club of Rogers City at the Presque Isle District Library for thoughtfully extending programming to northeast Michigan. This partnership supports Zonta’s commitment to community service and women’s leadership, while broadening access to global dialogue. Learn more about the Zonta Club of Rogers City here.
RECENT EVENTS
Inhumanitarianism? The Origins and Purposes of the Modern Refugee Regime
July 14, 2026
Laura Robson, Ph.D., Elihu Professor of Global Affairs and History, Yale University
Event presented by the Leland Public Library in partnership with IAF.
Arc of Fire: Understanding the Connected Wars in Today's Middle East
July 2, 2026
Christina Michelmore, Ph.D., former Chair of the Department of History, Political Science and International Studies, Chatham University
Event presented by the Leland Public Library in partnership with IAF.
Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership, and the Fight for Global Security
June 11, 2026
Sherri Goodman, Secretary General, International Military Council on Climate & Security; Distinguished Fellow and Board Director, Atlantic Council
Former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense (Environmental Security)
EVENT UNDERWRITERS
Harold & Pam Lassers
The Giles Press Freedom Lecture
May 28, 2026
Deborah Amos, Ferris Professor of Journalism in Residence, Princeton University, former NPR International Correspondent, Middle East contributor NPR Morning Edition & All Things Considered
Support provided by a gift from Robert & Nancy Giles
Program support provided by a gift from the late Robert & Nancy Giles. Nancy was a dedicated psychologist and Bob was a 2x Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist / editor, a lifetime champion of press freedom and journalistic integrity.
SPECIAL EVENT
Land of Canaan
May 14, 2026
6:00 reception | 6:30 screening
8pm filmmaker Q & A
Dennos Museum Center Milliken Auditorium
A rare and intimate view of Palestinian farmers and their ancient olive trees - symbols of resilience, heritage, and home. Documentary film screening with filmmaker Q & A featuring:
Nasser Abufarha, Producer / Protagonist
Timothy Young, Board Member, On The Ground
Jacob Wheeler, independent journalist
Event presented by NMC's International Affairs Forum in partnership with On The Ground Global
EVENT PARTNER
The Future Is Peace
Aziz Abu Sarah & Maoz Inon
Robert Giles “Truth Matters” Author Conversation presented by National Writers Series in partnership with International Affairs Forum
April 19, 2026
A Palestinian and an Israeli who each lost family to the conflict, Aziz Abu Sarah and Maoz Inon chose reconciliation over revenge. In this powerful conversation, co-authors share their personal journeys and explore how empathy, partnership, and courageous dialogue can challenge cycles of violence and imagine a different future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
EVENT PARTNERSHIP
National Writers Series & IAF
Learn more about The Future Is Peace
Rights of Nature: Global Movement, Indigenous Values
April 15, 2026
Frank Bibeau, Tribal Attorney & Director of the Tribal Rights of Nature Program, Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (in person)
Hugo Echeverría, Attorney for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, member of the UN Harmony with Nature expert network (virtual)
Grant funding support provided by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians
GRANT FUNDER
EVENT UNDERWRITER
The New Space Race: How Data, Resources, and Power Are Shaping Our Future
March 19, 2026
Aimee A. Hubble, Ph.D.
Leader of COSMIC, a nationwide consortium for In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM), Aerospace Corporation
Event presented by Northwestern Michigan College's IAF Student Leadership Team
EVENT UNDERWRITER
Eleanor Lynn
Long Arm or Strongarm?
Executive Power in Foreign Policy & At Home
February 19, 2026
Kori Schake, Ph.D., Senior Fellow & Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
Event presented in partnership with Central Michigan University Hart-Milliken Speaker Series
EVENT PARTNER
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.
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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.
