Global Summit XVII sponsorship
Support the JES's mission of fostering dialogue for the Erie region on a global level.
Our audiences continue to show up to explore critical topics—from politics and global affairs to cutting-edge science, technology, sports, and more. And thanks to our sponsors, we’ve kept ticket prices unchanged since day one, ensuring that access to these powerful learning experiences remains open to all.
This year, we kicked off this year’s Global Summit with President Barack Obama. We also welcomed renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback and community leader Jim Kelly, Vice President Mike Pence, and acclaimed historian Lindsay Chervinsky, plus many additional distinguished speakers who will engage and inspire audiences of all ages.
Whether you’ve sponsored the Global Summit before, supported other JES initiatives, or are considering a sponsorship for the first time, thank you for helping our community grow and thrive. Your support makes it possible for us to offer inclusive, high-quality programming that fosters civic engagement and civil dialogue—providing residents across Erie County with access to the ideas, conversations, and learning opportunities that matter most, especially in times when thoughtful public discourse is so urgently necessary.
If your organization is interested in becoming a Global Summit XVII sponsor, please contact Christine Gerlock by phone at 814-459-8000 or by email at gerlock@jeserie.org.
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: $35
- Preferred Seating: $60 (Closest Section Near the Stage)
Additional Fees: Amusement Tax, Processing Fee
Parking: Gannon University parking garage on Peach Street.
Registration for this event is closed.
