Robert Gates on the Exercise of American Power
Former US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates joined Council President Ivo Daalder for a conversation on the scale, complexity, and purpose of America’s power—as well as its limits.
About This Event
Over the past three decades, the global perception of the United States has morphed from dominant global power to uncertain leader. Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates believes that this perilous shift reflects a failure of the nation’s decision-makers to grasp the intricacies of American power. From the bipolar confrontation of the Cold War to the multifaceted security challenges of the 21st century, Gates helped to transform America’s intelligence and military operations to meet ever-evolving risks. He joins Council President Ivo Daalder for a conversation on the scale, complexity, and purpose of America’s power—as well as its limits.
About the Speakers
CEO, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Ivo H. Daalder served as the US ambassador to NATO from 2009 to 2013. He joined the Council as president in 2013 and took on the new role of CEO in 2023. Previously, he was a senior fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution and served as director for European affairs on President Bill Clinton’s National Security Council. He is the author or editor of 10 books.
Robert M. Gates
22nd United States Secretary of Defense
Robert M. Gates served as the 22nd United States Secretary of Defense, under presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama—the only Secretary of Defense in American history to have served presidents of different parties. Gates also worked as an officer in the United States Air Force and served the CIA before being appointed director of the agency.