After opening its season with a panel on U.S. challenges with wars in Iran and Ukraine, the Savannah Council on World Affairs has announced the first half of its 2026-2027 schedule, with a slate of international experts set to address subjects ranging from the impact of the U.S./India relations to cybersecurity.

“We are proud to offer Savannahians and those from the surrounding area an opportunity to hear first-hand from people of knowledge and influence addressing the issues of the day,” says Jennifer Dwyer, president of SCWA. “ “International affairs affect our budgets, our businesses, our security and our futures – essentially every aspect of our lives. The Savannah Council on World Affairs is proud to provide our members and guests with direct and unfiltered access to leading experts on these international developments.”

The planned speakers for the remainder of the calendar year are as follows: 

October 15 – Dhruva Jaishankar, executive director of Observer Research Foundation America, will speak on “India’s Role in the World and United States Relationship with India.” For the October meeting, Planters Inn is the Platinum Sponsor and Cathedral Productions is the Silver Sponsor.

November 19 – James Townsend, former deputy assistant secretary of defense and now a Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, will speak on “NATO’s Future and U.S. Role in the Alliance.” December 9 (a departure from the usual third-Thursday schedule) – Adam Segal, the Council on Foreign Relations’ director of the digital and cyberspace police program, will address “Cyber Diplomacy and Securing America’s National Interests.”

Although the schedule varies due to the availability of the speakers and the pace of international events, SCWA generally meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month during the academic year (September to May). The usual meeting place is the Coastal Georgia Center at 305 Fahm Street in Savannah, although the location varies occasionally. Final details can always be confirmed as the meeting approaches by visiting the group’s website, savannahcwa.org. The monthly program is free for SCWA members and $20 for the general public.

Full-time students, faculty and active military may attend for free.