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
President, Chicago Council on Global Affairs

Ivo H. Daalder served as the US ambassador to NATO from 2009 to 2013 prior to becoming president of the Council. 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 ten books.

Robert M. Gates
22nd United States Secretary of Defense