‘Doomed to Rivalry? Understanding Russia’s Relations with the West’ (Sept. 7)
Are the Russians really our enemies? Is the Cold War actually over? Are they really colluding with Donald Trump? Does anyone remember “The Manchurian Candidate”? Russian native and San Francisco State University Professor, Dr. Andrei P. Tsygankov, kicks off the McConnell Center’s fall series with a discussion about Russia and its relations with the U.S., Ukraine and President Trump. What a time for this discussion!

‘A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century’ (Sept. 11)
The relationship between the pope and the president of the United States is unique among world leaders. One is influential in global politics, and the other the leader of a global religion — and, at times, both politicians. New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Paul Kengor, continues the McConnell Center’s fall speaker series with a look at the relationship between President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II — a Protestant president and the head of the Catholic Church. Their relationship and leadership is widely credited for helping bring an end to the Cold War, but Kengor has examined the lesser-known closeness of their personal relationship and friendship.