Chas Freeman ’64 discusses
“The World in Turmoil — What’s Next?”
April 18, 2026
Hello Classmates:
Our next Class Authors Zoom meeting will feature Chas Freeman, noted statesman and diplomat from our class. This important event will occur on Thursday, June 18 at 4:00pm Eastern time. Many media outlets have increasingly reached out to Chas for explanation and commentary about escalating diplomatic and military disruptions around the world. Beyond the immediate crises in Iran and Ukraine is the long-term issue of the US-China relationship. Ward Wickwire will moderate the session. Details below.
Chas is a highly-regarded diplomat and statesman who has been instrumental in helping to craft foreign policy for the United States over much of the past 55 years. Among other assignments, he was principal interpreter during Nixon’s groundbreaking trip to China, ambassador to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. After retiring from government, he served as co-chair of the United States China Policy Foundation and as president of the Middle East Policy Council. He currently is chairman of Projects International, a business development firm. Chas’s seminal book, Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy, was published in 1997 but is still core reading for foreign service officers.
During our meeting, Chas will present his up-to-the-minute views on the current state of the world’s hotspots, and will also examine the growing dominance of China on the world stage. After Chas’s presentation, Chas and Ward will explore some of these issues in more depth. Then, Ward will moderate a Q&A session based on questions from class participants.
To prepare to watch this timely and critical event, please follow the hyperlinks to the articles or videos below. You can also review dozens of Chas’s additional speeches listed on his website or search for “Chas Freeman” on YouTube.com.
Registration for the event is required. Classmate spouses and partners are welcome to attend. Register for the event by clicking on the following link:
Register by clicking here
Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to the Zoom meeting. That link will be unique to you. On the day before the event you’ll be sent the link again as a reminder.
This important session will provide you with an insider’s critical examination of the United States’ role in world affairs. Join Chas Freeman and Ward Wickwire on June 18 for this very timely session. Register now, and mark your calendar.
Don’t miss it!
Don Van Doren
Class Authors Chair
