Distinguished Academic and Former Ambassador to Headline 2025 Maverick Lecture

Trinity University invites the San Antonio community to an evening of bold ideas and global conversation at the 2025 Maverick Lecture. This year’s featured speaker is former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, a Stanford professor, New York Times bestselling author, and one of America’s leading voices on diplomacy and democracy. 

McFaul will present “Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder” on Thursday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m., in Trinity University’s Stieren Theater. The lecture is free and open to the public.  

Michael McFaul is one of America’s foremost voices on diplomacy, democracy, and global affairs. A Montana native turned Rhodes Scholar, McFaul has spent his career navigating the frontlines of international politics. He served as U.S. ambassador to Russia during one of the most volatile periods in recent history and was a key architect of the Obama administration’s Russia policy. 

Before and after his time in government, McFaul built a distinguished academic career at Stanford University, where he is now the Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies and director of the Freeman Spogli Institute. As a scholar, New York Times bestselling author, and NBC News analyst, McFaul is known for translating complex global events into accessible, urgent insights. His upcoming book, Autocrats vs. Democrats, delves into the escalating struggle between authoritarian regimes and democratic ideals.

The Maverick Lecture honors the legacy of Maury Maverick Jr., a civil rights attorney, Texas legislator, Marine, and fearless newspaper columnist. The lecture series tackles themes central to Maverick’s life and work, including free speech, racial and economic justice, imperialism, and the ethical dimensions of war. It is a space for bold ideas and civic courage. The Maverick Lecture is underwritten by the William and Salomé Scanlan Foundation. The series reflects Trinity’s commitment to fostering dialogue that is open, inclusive, and thought-provoking. 

Trinity also thanks its Community Partners, KLRN public television station, KRTU FM 91.7, San Antonio Report, and Texas Public Radio.

This event is free and open to the public; registration is required. For any questions about the lecture, please contact the Office of Conferences and Special Programs at (210) 999-7601. Register for the event here.