Orville Schell is a distinguished authority in the realm of geopolitics, with a profound focus on China, exemplified by his role as the Arthur Ross Director of the Center on U.S.-China Relations at the Asia Society. Orville has held esteemed positions that reflect his vast experience and expertise in journalism. Serving as the Dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, Orville has significantly influenced the next generation of journalists. His affiliations extend to being a Board Member of Human Rights Watch, a Member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a regular participant in the World Economic Forum.
Throughout his illustrious career, Orville has authored more than fifteen books, showcasing his deep-seated expertise and passion for journalism. His contributions to esteemed publications such as The New Yorker, Time Magazine, The Washington Post, China Quarterly, and The New York Times underscore his status as a venerated journalist and author. His educational background, with a Master’s degree in Chinese Studies from the University of California Berkeley, further cements his authority on subjects pertaining to China.
Orville’s documentary work, including an Emmy award-winning production for 60 Minutes’ “Made in China”, and his recognition with awards such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Harvard-Stanford Shorenstein Prize in Asian Journalism, highlight his impactful work in media and advocacy. Orville’s literary oeuvre includes significant works such as “The China Reader: The Reform Era”, “The Tiananmen Papers”, “Discos & Democracy: China in the Throes of Reform”, and “Virtual Tibet”, with more than two-thirds of his publications focused on China. This extensive body of work not only contributes to our understanding of China but also positions Orville as a leading voice in discussions about the nation's past, present, and future.
His involvement as a Jury Member for prestigious awards like the Dan David Prize, National Magazine Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting attest to his respected status as a journalist and social commentator. As a Fellow at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute at Columbia University and a Senior Fellow at the Annenberg School of Communications at USC, Orville continues to influence discussions on international relations, media, and culture. Orville Schell's extensive experience and deep understanding of China and global geopolitics make him an invaluable keynote speaker for events focusing on international relations, culture, and geopolitics, particularly those concerning China’s pivotal role on the world stage.
