Talk about perfect timing.

While the Trump administration tries to broke a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine, a leading expert on Vladimir Putin and international relations will speak in Fresno.

Michael A. McFaul, who served the U.S. ambassador to Russia under President Barack Obama, will appear Wednesday morning at Valley Town Hall.

The title of McFaul’s 10:30 a.m. address at the Saroyan Theatre is “Navigating Troubled Times.” During his talk, McFaul will unpack the complexities of international affairs and the evolving relationship among the United States, Russia, and China.

McFaul is the Peter and Helen Bing Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution as well as a professor of political science, director and senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University. He also is a news analyst for NBC.

McFaul is a prolific author and editor. He says he just finished his latest book, “Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia and the New Global Order.” The book will be released Oct. 28.

I just finished writing a book about lessons from the Cold War for how to deal with China and Russia today. 1/ THREADhttps://t.co/pG5IqutQXX

— Michael McFaul (@McFaul) March 17, 2025

Tickets, priced at $60, are available here.

About Valley Town Hall

San Joaquin Valley Town Hall is a nonprofit operated by an all-volunteer board of directors. The organization works to provide thought-provoking and educational events, bringing national and international speakers to the Valley.

You can view the 2025 lineup of speakers at this link. Actor and activist Jane Fonda will cap the season on April 16 at the Saroyan Theatre.

GV Wire is a sponsor of Valley Town Hall.