Stephen M. Kellen Lecture

Cascading Crises and Prospects for Peace

Retired US Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster examines the growing links between today’s major conflicts—from Russia’s war on Ukraine to Iran’s proxy battles in the Middle East—and the broader contest for global influence with China. As Europe works to bolster its defenses and secure its future in the face of renewed aggression, McMaster draws on his experience as a military leader and national security advisor to explore why the United States and its allies have struggled to deter or effectively respond to aggression in recent years. He argues that outcomes in Ukraine and the Middle East will shape the future of peace and stability in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. McMaster will also discuss strategies for preventing these interconnected wars from expanding further and for strengthening deterrence against future conflict.