Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, there has been a sharp rise in the powers of autocratic Russia and China. Now, as they are rising in economic and military power, a new global order — or disorder — has emerged, and the United States must
use innovative and democratic solutions to combat it. That's the basis of Michael McFaul's new book "Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder."

The alliance between China and Russia, China's economic might, the rise of the far right in the United States, and growing isolationism in American society, taken together, represent new challenges for democracy, McFaul argues.

McFaul is director of the Freeman Spogli Institute at Stanford University, where he also serves as professor of International Studies and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. A former U.S. Ambassador to Russia (2012–2014) and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council under President Obama, McFaul is a leading expert on U.S.-Russia relations, democracy promotion, and foreign policy.

He is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestseller "From Cold War to Hot Peace", and is a regular analyst for NBC News and a columnist for The Washington Post. Born and raised in Montana, McFaul earned his B.A. and M.A. from Stanford and a D.Phil. in International Relations from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar.

Date/Time: Thursday, November 6, 2025 7:00-8:30PM

Location: Gannon University, Yehl Ballroom, Waldron Campus Center, 628 Peach St, Erie, PA 16501

Admission:

• General Admission (Early Bird Pricing) $25
• Preferred Seating  (Early Bird Pricing) $50 (Closest Section Near the Stage)

Additional Fees:  Amusement Tax, Processing Fee 

Parking: TBD