1951 – 1959

Founding Vision: Bringing the World to Seattle

Founded in 1951 in the aftermath of World War II, at the peak of McCarthyism, and the early years of the Cold War, the World Affairs Council of Seattle emerged from a conviction that international understanding was essential to peace, security, and prosperity. Civic leaders, business executives, academics, and diplomats came together to create a nonpartisan forum where global issues could be examined thoughtfully and openly.

From the beginning, the Council positioned Seattle as a city with global responsibilities and global opportunities. Early programming focused on post-war reconstruction, emerging international institutions, and U.S. engagement abroad—establishing a core identity that endures to this day: civil dialogue, expert insight, and public engagement on world affairs.

1960s – 1970s

Cold War Engagement and Civic Leadership

During the Cold War, the Council served as a trusted space for discussion at a time of global tension and ideological division. Programs addressed U.S.–Soviet relations, decolonization, nuclear security, and international development, helping Seattle residents understand how global events influenced local economic, political, and security realities. As Seattle’s economy diversified and its international connections grew—particularly in aerospace and global trade—the Council strengthened partnerships with leading regional institutions and employers, including The Boeing Company, whose global footprint underscored Seattle’s strategic role in international affairs and who had been a founding member of the World Affairs Council.

1980s – 1990s

Making Sense of Globalization

The late twentieth century brought profound transformations in global trade, technology, and geopolitics. The World Affairs Council responded by broadening its scope and audience through programming that addressed globalization, democratic transitions, human rights, and emerging technologies.

Seattle’s growing role as a center for global aviation and commerce continued to shape Council conversations on trade, security, and international cooperation.

2000 – 2009

Entering the 21st Century: Security, Education, and Exchange

The attacks of September 11, 2001 reshaped global discourse and America’s role in the world. In response, the Council became a vital forum for examining international security, counterterrorism, diplomacy, and the balance between safety and civil liberties.

During this decade, the Council expanded its international exchange work, connecting emerging global leaders with the Seattle community through meetings hosted by regional companies and subject-matter experts.

2010 – 2019

Growth, Innovation, and Community Impact

Throughout the 2010s, the World Affairs Council operated at growing scale and impact. Community Programs convened senior policymakers, diplomats, academics, journalists, and business leaders to address global health, climate change, cybersecurity, trade, and human rights.

The International Visitor Program reached national prominence. Long-standing engagement from regional partners—including supporters like Boeing, Microsoft, and Amazon who hosted meetings and encouraged board service on the Council—helped anchor the Council’s work in Seattle’s global business community, while Global Classroom expanded global learning across K–12 systems.

2020 – 2022

Resilience and Reinvention During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted international travel and in-person convening worldwide. The U.S.’s first confirmed COVID case was in greater Seattle and the World Affairs Council rapidly pivoted to virtual programming while maintaining its mission at a moment of global crisis.

Exchange programs and discussions continued virtually with participation from private-sector experts from around the country and around the world. It was a defining moment as the Council was able to reach thought- and policy leaders wherever they were, opening up new opportunities for the community to try to understand this disruptive period.

2022 – 2026

Renewal and Reconnection

Hybrid and in-person programs resumed as global conditions stabilized. Community Programs addressed defining global issues including the war in Ukraine, U.S.–China competition, climate change, artificial intelligence, and democratic governance.

In 2024, the Global Leadership Exchange hosted over 600 global leaders through more than 60 programs exploring topics like innovation and entrepreneurship, aviation, sustainability, and global workforce development.