Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia and America and the New Global Disorder
The international order in which most of us grew up is over, and a new cold war is setting in. That’s the growing consensus of people adjusting to the aggressive rise of China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the reelection of President Donald Trump amid the growth of right-wing populist movements around the world. This new cold war isn’t the same as the old U.S.–Soviet Cold War.
Former Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul says that America’s future depends on how successfully it deals with this new global order, and that new thinking is required. In his book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder, he argues that we should not underestimate the disruptive ambitions of Russia, nor should we overestimate China’s capabilities. He asserts that the shift here at home toward isolationism and autocracy weakens America’s position in the world.
Dr. McFaul will draw from historical analysis combined with a forward-looking perspective to propose a new grand strategy for the United States in the challenging modern age of global disorder.
Michael McFaul is the Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies at Stanford University and a Senior Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, at the Hoover Institution, and at the Woods Institute. Dr. McFaul is also an International Affairs Analyst for NBC News. He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Russia from 2012 to 2014, and as Special Assistant to the President of the United States and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council at the White House from 2009 to 2012.
* Doors open at 7:00 PM and the program runs from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
* Pre-registration is strongly encouraged at https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2026-01-07/autocrats-vs-democrats-china-russia-and-america-and-new-global-disorder.
* This program is free but the maximum capacity is 150. Please arrive early to ensure a seat.
* Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; donations can be made during registration to support the production of programs such as these.
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Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3401159-0
