<p>Widely recognized for his expertise on global politics, history, and human rights, James Kirchick shares compelling insights on the most important issue in the world today — freedom.</p><p>James Kirchick is a journalist, commentator ,and the author of <em>Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington,</em> a <em>New York Times </em>bestseller that explores the history of LGBTQ individuals in the U.S. capital; and <em>The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues, and the Coming Dark Age</em>, which examines the decline of liberal democracy in Europe.</p><p>Kirchick’s writing covers a wide range of issues, from the preservation of freedom and democracy to LGBT rights and the rise of antisemitism. His work has appeared in top publications such as <em>The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic</em>, and <em>The Wall Street Journal.</em></p><p>Having reported from over 40 countries, Kirchick is a frequent guest on major media outlets like <em>Real Time with Bill Maher,</em> CNN, and NPR. He is also a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and an advocate for free speech and individual rights. Kirchick has spoken at prominent international forums, including the Oslo Freedom Forum and the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy, sharing his insights on pressing global challenges.<span class="ql-cursor"></span></p>
Author of <i>New York Times</i> bestseller, <i>Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington</i>;<i> New York Times</i> Contributing Writer; <i>Tablet Magazine</i> Columnist
<ul><li><strong>Secret City: From the Closet to Congress</strong></li><li>Until quite recently the mere suggestion that someone might be gay could ruin careers and destroy lives. Today, gay people enjoy full participation in American life. How did we get to this point so rapidly? In this talk based on his instant <em>New York Times </em>bestselling book <em>Secret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington,</em> award-winning journalist James Kirchick discusses the many and surprising ways in which the fear of homosexuality impacted American politics and society, and the transformative role freedom of expression played in overcoming it. Covering every president from FDR to Bill Clinton and drawing on the extensive research he conducted for Secret City, hailed by the <em>New York Times</em> as “a luxurious, slow-rolling Cadillac of a book,” Kirchick opens America’s closet door.</li><li><strong>The End of Europe: A Warning for America</strong></li><li>Once the world’s bastion of liberal, democratic values, Europe is now having to confront demons it thought it had laid to rest. The resurgence of nationalism, racism, and anti-Semitism contribute to a looming crisis that threatens to tear Europe apart. Drawing on his extensive firsthand reporting across the Continent, as well as his book <em>The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues,</em> and <em>the Coming Dark Age, New York Times</em> bestselling author James Kirchick shines a light on some of the many crises confronting America’s most important ally. </li><li><strong>Free Expression</strong></li><li>Record numbers of Americans say that they are afraid to speak their minds. Some of the nation’s top universities can be found at the bottom of campus free speech rankings. Freedom House reports that freedom of expression is in decline around the world — including the West. Drawing on his experience reporting from unfree countries and his two widely acclaimed books — S<em>ecret City: The Hidden History of Gay Washington</em> and <em>The End of Europe: Dictators, Demagogues</em>, <em>and the Coming Dark Age </em>— <em>New York Times </em>bestselling author James Kirchick delivers a report on the precarious state of free expression in the world today and a stirring call in its defense. </li><li><strong>Israel and Antisemitism</strong></li><li>The horrific attack of October 7th was a particularly gruesome manifestation of an evil that has poisoned humanity for thousands of years: antisemitism. For over two decades, <em>New York Times</em> bestselling author James Kirchick has been a vigilant and vocal foe of this societal scourge, condemning it frequently in leading publications and the media. Drawing on his personal experiences as a student confronting antisemitism at Yale University, a foreign correspondent who has reported on Jewish communities around the world, and a sharp observer of American politics and society, Kirchick doesn’t hold back from calling out antisemitism wherever it appears on the ideological spectrum. </li></ul>