Michael McFaul
Gain insights into Russia's transition from communism to authoritarianism and understand the complexities of international relations with Michael McFaul, speaker, renowned academic, and diplomat.
Los Angeles, United States
Enquire Now
Send us your event details
.svg){kind=icon}
Michael McFaul is an American academic and diplomat known for his contributions to international relations, particularly in relation to Russia's transition from communism to authoritarianism. He earned a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Slavic Languages and a Master's degree in Soviet and East European Studies from Stanford University in 1986, and a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in International Relations from Oxford University in 1991 as a Rhodes Scholar. McFaul joined the faculty at Stanford in 1995 and held various positions, including Director of the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and the Ken Olivier and Angela Nomellini Professor of International Studies in the Department of Political Science. He also serves as an International Affairs Analyst for NBC News and a contributing columnist for The Washington Post. In the Obama administration from 2009 to 2014, McFaul served as the Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Russian and Eurasian Affairs at the National Security Council, and later as the U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation. Throughout his career, McFaul has authored numerous books and articles on topics such as advancing democracy abroad, transitions to democracy, and the relationship between democracy and development. His work has been recognized by academics and policymakers alike.
Michael brings unparalleled insights into international relations, especially regarding U.S.-Russia dynamics, drawing from his extensive academic background and firsthand diplomatic experience. Booking him as a speaker offers your team or business a unique opportunity to understand complex global political trends and their implications for international business and security. His engaging storytelling and deep analysis will not only educate but also inspire innovative thinking and strategic approaches in navigating today's interconnected world.
Topics, Sessions And Talks
Join Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and expert in international relations, for a keynote talk on advancing democracy abroad and the relationship between democracy and development. With his extensive experience in diplomacy and academia, mcfaul offers unique insights and actionable strategies for businesses and policymakers alike.
.svg)
Book
.svg)
.svg)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking an expert speaker, facilitator, host or entertainment for your event.
- If you'd like to book one of our expert speakers, email us at hello@peptalk.com, send us a chat message or give us a call, and we’ll help you out.
- We’ll take your event details — topic, audience, budget, date, and location — and create a custom speaker proposal for you within 48 hours.
- If you already have someone in mind, that’s okay too; just let us know their name! Even if they aren't listed publicly on our website, we have a huge network and work with almost everyone.
- Once you've reviewed our speaker propsal and have selected and expert shortlist, we'll double check availability and fees with your chosen expert.
- You're welcome to have a chemistry call with the speaker before making the final decision, too.
- Next, we'll send out contracts to confirm the booking. One of our experienced event producers will liase with both you and the talent on the finer details, and arrange travel if necessary, taking the stress off your plate.
Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. We work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.
We do not accommodate requests for birthday messages or any other personal, non-commercial contact with the speakers, comedians or entertainers.
We work with speakers across a variety of fee ranges, giving you the flexibility to choose someone who fits your event's needs. Virtual keynote fees in the UK and Europe typically start at £2,000, while in-person top-tier speakers can reach £25,000. In the US, virtual in-person fees range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the speaker and format, such as after-dinner talks, conference keynotes, Q&As, or podcasts. Comedians generally start at £1,500 or $2,000 for a 20-minute set.
Our goal is to help you find the speaker who best matches your event’s goals and budget. We take the time to understand your event, objectives, and audience to recommend the right fit. The most expensive option isn’t always the best one, and our priority is finding the ideal speaker or expert for your needs; not the highest-priced one.
Reach out for personalised recommendations and detailed information on specific speaker fees. We’re here to offer a tailored service and are always happy to discuss your unique requirements!
There’s no additional cost for our services beyond the speaker fee — simply contact us to find the right speaker for your next business or team event. We can also work with your corporate procurement team to negotiate favourable long-term rates, simply email hello@getapeptalk.com for more information.
Partnering with PepTalk means elevating your events with our curated roster of top motivational speakers, industry experts, delivering punchy keynotes that leave a lasting impact. From talent selection, to contracts and logistics, we handle it all. We have global expert network, with over 3000 speakers from over 33 countries on our line-up.
We also provide a full range of talent, from event hosts and moderators to interviewers and corporate entertainment, ensuring your event’s success from start to finish.
PepTalk workshops are interactive learning experiences for leaders at all levels, blending theory with practical insights from industry experts. These programs, led by experienced facilitators, are designed to drive real mindset changes and equip participants with actionable skills. Workshops can be customised to meet your organisation's specific needs. Explore our workshop examples and contact us today to learn how your team can benefit.
If you notice something that needs attention or have any queries regarding an expert speaker profile, feel free to email us at experts@getapeptalk.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.