On February 7, 2024, Distinguished Fellow Chen Guangcheng and Dr. William Saunders, Director of the Center for Human Rights at The Catholic University of America, addressed students during the University Honors Program’s Hitchhikers Guide to Culture speaker series. The event provided a timely and insightful examination of the Chinese Communist Party’s ongoing human rights abuses and the broader implications for global security and freedom.

Chen Guangcheng, a blind legal advocate and former political prisoner in China, shared his firsthand experiences with the regime’s brutal tactics. His testimony illustrated not only the personal cost of dissent under authoritarian rule but also the resilience and courage required to resist systemic oppression. Guangcheng’s unique perspective illuminated the human face behind the headlines, offering students a vivid understanding of the stakes involved.

Dr. Saunders complemented the discussion with an analysis of the CCP’s strategic ambitions and its efforts to export authoritarian influence abroad, including threats to the United States. His remarks emphasized the importance of vigilance and informed engagement in safeguarding democratic values and human rights against external pressures.

The presentation fostered a dynamic dialogue among students and faculty, encouraging reflection on the challenges posed by authoritarianism in today’s interconnected world. This event exemplified Catholic University’s commitment to nurturing informed, conscientious citizens capable of addressing complex global issues through faith and reason.