REGIONAL ACADEMIC WORLDQUEST COMPETITION

Each year, World Affairs Councils around the United States host Academic WorldQuest competitions for high school students. The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth hosts nearly 85 North Texas area teams, which participate each spring. Teams of four (4) study for a chance to compete on the national level in Washington, DC against other regional winners.

The competition consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, including 10 sections of 10 questions. Participants prepare for the competition by studying an online study guide. The World Affairs Councils of America decides the 10 topics based on the most relevant global issues of that year. In the case of a tie, the competition can go into a tiebreaker round of 10 multiple-choice questions and then a sudden death round of five questions that require write-in answers.

Register up to three teams by emailing jbowden@dfwworld.org

2026 Regional Competition Details

2026 Academic WorldQuest

Tuesday, February 24, 2026
9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

University of Texas at Arlington- MAC
500 W Nedderman Dr.
Arlington, TX 76013

Topic 1: Pop Culture and Soft Power in International Relations

Topic 2: The FIFA World Cup

Topic 3: Migration and Immigration

Topic 4: The U.S Constitution and Foreign Policy

Topic 5: The Belt and Road Initiative

Topic 6: Tariffs and Trade

Topic 7: Coffee and Chocolate: A Global Perspective

Topic 8: Nuclear Policy Issues

Topic 9: Focus Country: Australia

Topic 10: Current Events

• Local Competition: Questions will be sourced from events during September – November 2025.
• National Competition: Questions will be sourced from events during January – March 2026.

Study Tips

• Teachers register by emailing jbowden@dfwworld.org
• Start studying early! Some teams start studying for five months in advance of the competition
• Divide and conquer the material amongst your teammates
• Hold mock-competitions at your JWAC meetings
• Keep up-to-date on current events from around the world
• Review the Academic WorldQuest guidelines and study materials
• Read the articles listed in the study materials