Army War College Event Explores Civil-Military Relations and Global Security Challenges

A panel discussion featuring experts from the US Army War College took place on April 10, 2024. Moderated by Lt Gen Jack Weinstein, USAF (Ret), Professor of the Practice of International Security at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, the event provided valuable insights into crucial military topics and global security challenges.

The panel featured three speakers from Army War College, each bringing unique insights to the table. Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Taylor, an Air Force Special Operations pilot, shared firsthand accounts of escalating tensions and militarization in the Pacific region, particularly in areas like the South China Sea.

Colonel Carina Kelley, representing the US Army’s Air Defense Artillery, provided insights into the critical role of missile defense in safeguarding against evolving threats from nations like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. She emphasized the necessity for American taxpayers to understand and support missile defense initiatives as the threat landscape continues to outpace current capabilities.

Brigadier General Ajai Dabas, from the Indian Army’s Infantry Special Forces, offered a geopolitical perspective on India-US relations. He contextualized the evolving partnership between the two nations within the backdrop of a shifting global order characterized by emerging multipolarity and great power competition. General Dabas explored both common ground and divergences, emphasizing the need for trust and mutual respect to sustain a beneficial partnership.

Throughout the event, audience participation enriched the discussions, with questions probing into the speakers’ experiences and the complexities of civil-military relations. The discussion touched on the role of the military in national development and security, as well as the potential for enhanced cooperation between the US and countries in the global south amidst rising tensions with China.

Readers who are interested in attending more events like this are encouraged to join the Pardee School and Political Science department at 100 Bay State Road, Room 613B, on Tuesday, April 23, at 2:00 PM for an exclusive prescreening panel discussion inspired by the Sundance-debuted documentary, War Game: Six Hours to Save DemocracyExplore the documentary’s riveting portrayal of critical issues facing our democracy, from electoral integrity to national security with our panelists: Mark DiCristofaro, Producer (CGS’06, COM’08, ’09), Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Linda Singh, Maryland National Guard Chief, and Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Alexander Vindman, National Security Council. Register here.  Pizza will be provided.