David Petraeus

In this timely and deeply strategic episode of the Quantum Leadership Podcast, Dr. Stephen Sideroff welcomes General David Petraeus, retired US Army General and Partner and Chairman of the KKR Global Institute, for a far-reaching conversation on what senior leaders get wrong when they fail to understand the true nature of the challenge in front of them. Drawing on lessons from Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, General Petraeus argues that the decisive factor in conflict is not force alone, but whether leaders get the big ideas right. He explains why the surge that mattered most in Iraq was not simply more troops, but a new strategy, why it took years to correct the big ideas in earlier wars, and why strategic judgment is the defining quality of effective leadership at the highest level. He also reflects on how great leaders build learning organizations, invite honest dissent, refine strategy as conditions evolve, and translate vision into daily action through culture, communication, metrics, and disciplined routines. The result is a powerful leadership framework that reaches far beyond the battlefield. Topics covered: - Why wars fail when leaders misunderstand the nature of the fight - Why the surge that mattered most was a surge of new ideas - Strategic judgment as the central task of senior leadership - Building learning organizations that adapt faster than the environment changes - How trust, feedback, and disciplined routines turn strategy into execution Learn more about General David Petraeus here: - https://understandingwar.org/education/ - https://www.kkr.com/about/our-people/david-h-petraeus https://drstephensideroff.com/quantum-leadership-podcast/ Discover my NEW BOOK and listen to Chapter 1 FREE here: https://drstephensideroff.com/lp/first-chapter/ Subscribe to my channel for more Like and share this video to support more in-depth interviews Comment below with your thoughts Connect with me: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.sideroff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drstephensideroff Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drstephensideroff/

Last week marked the 4-year anniversary of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. To mark this date, I had the great pleasure to speak with Gen. David Petraeus to do an overview of where the war is today and where it’s heading. Among other topics discussed, we focused on: Why Americans should consider Ukraine vital to US national security How the West/Ukraine can stop Putin The current state of the battlefield and outlook this year The primary lessons Western militaries can learn from Ukraine And lastly, are Ukrainians currently "The Greatest Generation" of America's past? About the Guest General David Petraeus, served over 37 years in the U.S. military, including command of the Surge in Iraq, command of U.S. Central Command, and command of coalition forces in Afghanistan. Following retirement from the military, Gen. Petraeus served as Director of the CIA under President Obama. He is currently a Partner at KKR. Articles by Gen. Petraeus Foreign Affairs: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/middle-east/autonomous-battlefield National Interest: https://nationalinterest.org/feature/for-china-the-ukraine-war-is-a-laboratory To learn more, visit: https://ubn.network/ Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters: https://missionmatters.com/author/Mark-McNamee/

In this episode of the Great Tech Game podcast, host Anirudh Suri welcomes Gen. David Petraeus, former CIA chief and a highly decorated military leader, as they break down how today's hot wars including Ukraine and Gaza are likely to pan out.The discussion explores General Petraeus's illustrious 37-year military career, including his command roles in Iraq and Afghanistan and his tenure as the director of the CIA. They delve into how technology is transforming warfare and how geopolitical and economic factors are interlinked. General Petraeus also discusses his co-authored book on the evolution of warfare, offering an invaluable perspective on strategic military leadership. The conversation further extends to current conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, evaluating their implications in the broader context of global geopolitics, especially in the U.S.-China dynamic. The episode culminates in an assessment of the growing importance of private defense tech companies in modern military structures.About Gen David Petraeus:David Howell Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and public official. He is currently a partner at KKR and chairman of the KKR Global Institute. He served as the fourth director of the Central Intelligence Agency from September 2011, until his resignation in November 2012. Prior to his assuming the directorship of the CIA, Petraeus served 37 years in the United States Army. His last assignments in the Army were as commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, U.S. Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A) from July 2010 to July 2011. His other four-star assignments include serving as the 10th commander, U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from October 2008 to June 2010, and as commanding general, Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I) from February 2007 to September 2008. As commander of MNF-I, Petraeus oversaw all coalition forces in Iraq.Chapters00:00 Promo02:33 Introduction 03:34 General Petraeus' Career Highlights07:33 Book Discussion: Evolution of Warfare10:10 Strategic Leadership in Modern Conflicts13:45 Current Wars: Russia-Ukraine24:52 The Future of the War in the Middle East32:36: Global Implications: US China Battle in the Indo-Pacific36:13 Future of Warfare: Private Defense Tech37:46 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsBook Links:David Petraeus: https://amzn.in/d/hYWcB3jAnirudh Suri:The Great Tech Game by Anirudh Suri - https://amzn.eu/d/1Su38My Follow Anirudh here:X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/anirudhsuriLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anirudhsuri/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anirudh_suriFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnirudhSuri.inWebsite: [www.anirudhsuri.com](http://www.anirudhsuri.com/) Book and Podcast: [www.greattechgame.com](http://www.greattechgame.com/)#Warfare #MilitaryStrategy #Geopolitics #TechInWarfare #DavidPetraeus #Drones #artificialintelligence #MiddleEastConflict #RussiaUkraineWar #GeopoliticalTensions #ColdWarEra #GlobalSecurity #FutureOfWar #DefenseStrategy #MilitaryLeadership #NationalSecurity #PrivateDefenseFirms #StrategicLeadership #ConflictResolution #WarOnTerror #UkraineConflict #MiddleEastPolitics #CIA #DefenseTech #ConflictManagement #WorldDiplomacy #Insurgency #SurgeStrategy #GlobalWarOnTerror #NewWarfare #WarStudies #DefenseTechnology #MilitaryEvolution

Ukraine is at a pivotal moment. As Great Powers seek to resolve the conflict, and vie for influence, questions are surfacing over what level of commitment—military, economic, and strategic—will be required to secure Ukraine’s future. Those questions have broader implications for both Europe and the global balance of power and ultimately will help shape trade and investment across strategic domains. Our guest, General David Petraeus (Ret.), brings unparalleled insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape. Between 2001 and 2021, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan were a primary economic and military focus of the United States. At the time, General Petraeus was one of the most senior U.S. military leaders involved in those wars and he shares his unique insights into the risks – and opportunities – that will emerge should the Ukraine war come to a negotiated settlement, and Kyiv begins rebuilding. - The Call is a series of live video conversations featuring expert guests from the U.S. Chamber's Global Intelligence Desk. Live access to The Call is a benefit to the Chamber’s members; however, we are pleased to provide recordings of the calls for wider listening thereafter. Learn more about the Global Intelligence Desk: https://globalintelligencedesk.com/ Join the conversation on LinkedIn: / global-intelligence-desk

A'ndre sat down with former CIA Director General (Ret.) David Petraeus to discuss the evolution of warfare since 1945, covering conflicts from World War II to Vietnam and the current wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. General Petraeus examines how warfare considerations shifted after World War II and explores the "wars of decolonization" that followed. Drawing on his experience commanding U.S.-led coalition forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, he reflects on what went right and wrong in those operations, disputing comparisons to the Vietnam War, which he describes as unsustainable. He also shares insights on why the War in Ukraine is unique, highlighting both its World War II-era tactics and the use of emerging technologies like unmanned vehicles. The conversation extends to the ongoing War in Gaza and the broader Middle East, where Petraeus offers his perspective on the nature of Israel's warfighting. A'ndre and General Petraeus conclude with a discussion on how he would advise the next President on national security, emphasizing the importance of the Indo-Pacific region. You can purchase the newest edition of General Petraeus' book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Gaza here .

In this episode of Veteran Led, we sit down with General David Petraeus, one of America's most renowned military leaders and strategic thinkers. General Petraeus shares invaluable insights on leadership, education, and the importance and impact of hiring our Veterans.​ General Petraeus, who served as commander of Multinational Forces in Iraq, CENTCOM commander, commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan, and director of the CIA, discusses the importance of fostering a culture of learning in leadership, strategies for building high-performing teams, his approach to identifying and recruiting top talent, and the significance of supporting veterans and ensuring they receive earned benefits. Currently a partner and chairman of KKR Global Institute, a senior fellow and lecturer at Yale, General Petraeus brings a wealth of experience from both military and civilian sectors.​

«The Western world faces more complex challenges today than at any time in the past», says former CIA director David Petraeus. In this «It's not that simple» interview, the american general analyzes the geopolitical context according to his 37 years in the US army and his experience in multiple wars. «We [the US, its allies and partners] are the circus performer who keeps many plates spinning on many sticks», he illustrates. According to Petraeus, the «relationship between the US, the West and China is the biggest and most important plate», since good relations must be guaranteed to avoid additional tension, mistrust and competition between these nations. But at the same time, the US and its allies also have to deal with Russia, which is «the most threatening plate». As for the future of invaded Ukraine, the author of the book Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine shields himself with a «it depends»: «it depends on the continuation of US support, which is already at 61 billion dollars, the EU's contribution - which is 50 billion -, the ukrainian capacity to increase military training and it also depends on the technological progress of Ukraine and Russia», he argues. Maintaining the allegory of the circus, the general emphasizes that there are other «plates» in balance, which cannot be neglected and which must continue to «spin» without major oscillations. This is the case of North Korea's nuclear investment and the case of Iran «which has been expanding its nuclear, drone and missile program, and supporting malign Shiite and even Sunni militias, such as Hamas». Asked about the biggest challenge that humanity is facing, David Petraeus highlights the «inequality of wealth between the global North and South». He claims, however, that the conflicts in various parts of the world, the growth of extremist groups, criminal organizations, cyber threats, forced migration due to climate change, and populism would be equally valid responses. More on this topic David Petraeus on Israel, Ukraine, and the evolution of warfare Wisdom From The Top with Guy Raz Firing Line with Margaret Hoover In Conversation with Gen. David H. Petraeus Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Ukraine with Gen. David H. Petraeus David Petraeus' Linkedin

Summary In this episode of 'Harder Not Smarter,' hosts former Navy SEAL Kevin Seiff and former Green Beret Greg VanDyne dive into a deep and insightful conversation with General David Petraeus. General Petraeus, a retired four-star general renowned for his leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan and his tenure as the Director of the CIA, shares his experiences and perspectives on life after the military. He discusses his influential role at KKR Global Institute, his contributions to academia, and the importance of strategic leadership. The discussion also covers pressing geopolitical issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the US-Israeli alliance, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and issues with the cartel south of the US border. General Petraeus also provides valuable book recommendations on leadership, history, and geopolitics. Show Links Get 1-month of FREE access to the ⁠Vet Collective Community⁠ by using discount code: NLT1UQTI Join us here: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Sign up for our Weekly Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.collective.vet⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on LinkedIn: ⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/harder-not-smarter/⁠ Episodes also available on Spotify, Apple, and Amazon Music. General Petraeus' Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidpetraeus/ https://www.kkr.com/approach https://www.amazon.com/Conflict-Evolution-Warfare-1945-Ukraine/dp/0063293137 https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/david-petraeus-strategic-leadership Chapters - 00:00 - Life After the Military General Petraeus discusses his fulfilling and stimulating roles at KKR Global Institute, teaching at universities, writing books, and engaging in speaking events. 03:08 - Strategic Leadership on College Campuses The importance of strategic leadership in maintaining clear standards and enforcement in universities to foster reasoned discourse. 21:29 - The US Economy and Innovation Insights into the US economy and the role of innovation. 27:08 - Investing in Startups The significance of investing in startups and fostering entrepreneurial growth. 31:56 - Pro-Palestinian Protests on College Campuses Addressing the issue of pro-Palestinian protests and the role of universities. 35:02 - Outside Instigators in Protests The influence of outside instigators in college campus protests and the need for firm action. 49:18 - The Impact of the Afghanistan Withdrawal General Petraeus reflects on the impact of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. 52:35 - The Uncertain Situation in Ukraine Discussing the complex and uncertain situation in Ukraine. 58:45 - Recommended Books General Petraeus shares his top book recommendations on leadership, history, and geopolitics.

In this deep and incisive study, General David Petraeus, who commanded the US-led coalitions in both Iraq, during the Surge, and Afghanistan and former CIA director, and the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explore over 70 years of conflict, drawing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. Drawing on their different perspectives and areas of expertise, Petraeus and Roberts show how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. Among the conflicts examined are the Arab-Israeli wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the two Gulf Wars, the Balkan wars in the former Yugoslavia, and both the Soviet and Coalition wars in Afghanistan, as well as guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare From 1945 to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Harper, 2023) culminates with a bracing look at Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine, yet another case study in the tragic results when leaders refuse to learn from history, and an assessment of the nature of future warfare. Filled with sharp insight and the wisdom of experience, Conflict is not only a critical assessment of our recent past, but also an essential primer of modern warfare that provides crucial knowledge for waging battle today as well as for understanding what the decades ahead will bring. General David Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and widely respected as a leading warrior intellectual. He graduated with distinction from the US Military Academy and earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He served for 37 years in the US Army, culminating his time in uniform with 6 consecutive commands as a general officer, 5 of which were in combat, including Command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He then served as Director of the CIA. He has held academic appointments at six universities and currently is a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Yale. He is a prominent commentator on contemporary security issues, military developments, and global affairs. He is currently a Partner in a major investment firm and chairs that firm’s Global Institute. Sam Canter is a strategic planner, a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations, and an Army Reserve intelligence officer. His views are his own and do not reflect any institution, organization, or entity with which he is affiliated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/national-security

In this deep and incisive study, General David Petraeus, who commanded the US-led coalitions in both Iraq, during the Surge, and Afghanistan and former CIA director, and the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explore over 70 years of conflict, drawing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. Drawing on their different perspectives and areas of expertise, Petraeus and Roberts show how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. Among the conflicts examined are the Arab-Israeli wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the two Gulf Wars, the Balkan wars in the former Yugoslavia, and both the Soviet and Coalition wars in Afghanistan, as well as guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare From 1945 to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Harper, 2023) culminates with a bracing look at Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine, yet another case study in the tragic results when leaders refuse to learn from history, and an assessment of the nature of future warfare. Filled with sharp insight and the wisdom of experience, Conflict is not only a critical assessment of our recent past, but also an essential primer of modern warfare that provides crucial knowledge for waging battle today as well as for understanding what the decades ahead will bring. General David Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and widely respected as a leading warrior intellectual. He graduated with distinction from the US Military Academy and earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He served for 37 years in the US Army, culminating his time in uniform with 6 consecutive commands as a general officer, 5 of which were in combat, including Command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He then served as Director of the CIA. He has held academic appointments at six universities and currently is a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Yale. He is a prominent commentator on contemporary security issues, military developments, and global affairs. He is currently a Partner in a major investment firm and chairs that firm’s Global Institute. Sam Canter is a strategic planner, a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations, and an Army Reserve intelligence officer. His views are his own and do not reflect any institution, organization, or entity with which he is affiliated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In this deep and incisive study, General David Petraeus, who commanded the US-led coalitions in both Iraq, during the Surge, and Afghanistan and former CIA director, and the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explore over 70 years of conflict, drawing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. Drawing on their different perspectives and areas of expertise, Petraeus and Roberts show how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. Among the conflicts examined are the Arab-Israeli wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the two Gulf Wars, the Balkan wars in the former Yugoslavia, and both the Soviet and Coalition wars in Afghanistan, as well as guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare From 1945 to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Harper, 2023) culminates with a bracing look at Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine, yet another case study in the tragic results when leaders refuse to learn from history, and an assessment of the nature of future warfare. Filled with sharp insight and the wisdom of experience, Conflict is not only a critical assessment of our recent past, but also an essential primer of modern warfare that provides crucial knowledge for waging battle today as well as for understanding what the decades ahead will bring. General David Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and widely respected as a leading warrior intellectual. He graduated with distinction from the US Military Academy and earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He served for 37 years in the US Army, culminating his time in uniform with 6 consecutive commands as a general officer, 5 of which were in combat, including Command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He then served as Director of the CIA. He has held academic appointments at six universities and currently is a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Yale. He is a prominent commentator on contemporary security issues, military developments, and global affairs. He is currently a Partner in a major investment firm and chairs that firm’s Global Institute. Sam Canter is a strategic planner, a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations, and an Army Reserve intelligence officer. His views are his own and do not reflect any institution, organization, or entity with which he is affiliated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

In this deep and incisive study, General David Petraeus, who commanded the US-led coalitions in both Iraq, during the Surge, and Afghanistan and former CIA director, and the prize-winning historian Andrew Roberts, explore over 70 years of conflict, drawing significant lessons and insights from their fresh analysis of the past. Drawing on their different perspectives and areas of expertise, Petraeus and Roberts show how often critical mistakes have been repeated time and again, and the challenge, for statesmen and generals alike, of learning to adapt to various new weapon systems, theories and strategies. Among the conflicts examined are the Arab-Israeli wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the two Gulf Wars, the Balkan wars in the former Yugoslavia, and both the Soviet and Coalition wars in Afghanistan, as well as guerilla conflicts in Africa and South America. Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare From 1945 to the Russian Invasion of Ukraine (Harper, 2023) culminates with a bracing look at Putin’s disastrous invasion of Ukraine, yet another case study in the tragic results when leaders refuse to learn from history, and an assessment of the nature of future warfare. Filled with sharp insight and the wisdom of experience, Conflict is not only a critical assessment of our recent past, but also an essential primer of modern warfare that provides crucial knowledge for waging battle today as well as for understanding what the decades ahead will bring. General David Petraeus is a retired United States Army general and widely respected as a leading warrior intellectual. He graduated with distinction from the US Military Academy and earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He served for 37 years in the US Army, culminating his time in uniform with 6 consecutive commands as a general officer, 5 of which were in combat, including Command of the Surge in Iraq, US Central Command, and the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. He then served as Director of the CIA. He has held academic appointments at six universities and currently is a Senior Fellow and Lecturer at Yale. He is a prominent commentator on contemporary security issues, military developments, and global affairs. He is currently a Partner in a major investment firm and chairs that firm’s Global Institute. Sam Canter is a strategic planner, a PhD candidate in Politics and International Relations, and an Army Reserve intelligence officer. His views are his own and do not reflect any institution, organization, or entity with which he is affiliated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history