Chas Freeman, Jr. Session Overview

Chairman, Projects International
Former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Chas W. Freeman, Jr. is a former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. After 30 years as a U.S. diplomat, he became the chairman of Projects International in 1995. He served as the principal interpreter during President Nixon's historic visit to China in 1972. He is also currently president of the Middle East Policy Council, co-chair of the U.S. China Policy Foundation, vice-chair of the Atlantic Council, a trustee of the Institute for Defense Analyses — and a director of the Pacific Pension Institute. Mr. Freeman has been published in The New York Times and wrote two books titled "Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy" and "The Diplomat's Dictionary."

LEARN ABOUT SEMINAR XXI

Hear past and present organizers reflect on over 25 years of the Seminar XXI Program and its impact on the national security policy community.

Watch the video >

ALUMNI REUNION SEPT. 8, 2026

All Seminar XXI Alumni and incoming Fellows are invited to our annual Introductory Session.

RSVP for the Sept. 8, 2026 Session >