On April 1, 2025, The Catholic University of America welcomed Chen Guangcheng, Distinguished Fellow for Human Rights, to speak with Honors students on the pressing question: “Is China a Threat to U.S. Democracy?”
Drawing from his personal experiences as a human rights advocate who faced persecution under the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Chen provided a compelling analysis of the CCP’s strategies to undermine democratic institutions globally. He highlighted how the CCP employs economic leverage, technological infiltration, and propaganda to influence and destabilize democratic societies, including the United States.
Chen emphasized the importance of vigilance and moral clarity in confronting these challenges. He urged students to recognize the value of their democratic freedoms and to be proactive in defending them against authoritarian encroachments.
The event offered students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a leading voice in human rights advocacy, deepening their understanding of the complex interplay between global authoritarianism and the preservation of democratic values.