It’s time again for the Eisenhower Series College Program (ESCP). Established over 50 years ago, the ESCP engages colleges, voluntary organizations, think tanks and other public forums across the nation to introduce War College students to audiences that might be less familiar with the military. Their goal is to have reasoned and thoughtful discussions with the society they serve and protect. In past years A BETTER PEACE has augmented the limited travel plans of the ESCP and though travel has increased again we’re pleased to bring you the first of several discussions for the Academic Year ’22 forum.
Joining podcast editor Ron Granieri in the studio for this episode are Leila Green, Jason Groat, Mike Rossman and Amit Talwar. Interestingly enough not a one of them is in the U.S. Army and only one of them is a U.S. citizen, they represent, but of course don’t speak for, the British Army, the Australian Army, USAID and the Indian Army, respectively. The four guests share their expertise and insights regarding the U.S. shift away from a focus on terrorism and violent extremism toward a renewed interest in great power competition. Much of their conversation with Ron centers on allies and friends and the balance of soft power versus hard.
My observation is that many instruments of U.S. soft power operate independently and not in a mutually supporting way. Therefore I would submit our greatest strength, our universal values is not attracting or influencing as much as it can and I would like to correct that.
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Leila Green is a British Army Colonel with operational experience in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan and sub-Saharan Africa. She has experience in working with the U.S., NATO, and UN. Her area of interest for the Eisenhower Series College Program has been Alliances, specifically the role of U.S. leadership within European security and the Special Relationship with Great Britain. She is a member of the AY22 Resident Class at the U.S. Army War College.
Jason Groat is an Australian Army Colonel who has enjoyed a variety of postings and has commanded at every level. He has deployed to Timor-Leste, Iraq, and Afghanistan and has enjoyed numerous training opportunities in the United Kingdom, United States, Africa, and the Southwest Pacific. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree, Colonel Groat holds Masters degrees from the University of New South Wales and Deakin University. He is a member of the AY22 Resident Class at the U.S. Army War College.
Mike Rossman is a Foreign Service Officer with the United States Agency for International Development. He is an international development professional working more than 15 years outside the U.S. serving in Kenya, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Mali, Haiti, and Georgia. His expertise is in program management and overseas contracting. Following graduation, his next assignment will be in USAID’s Pakistan Mission. He is a member of the AY22 Resident Class at the U.S. Army War College.
Amit Talwar is a Brigadier General and Armoured Corps officer in the Indian Army. He has served in all operational environments in India and has held varied command and staff assignments. He is a graduate of the Indian and Bangladesh Staff Colleges. In addition to the two master’s degrees, he holds a Master of Management Studies from the Osmania University and has represented India in various meetings at the UN HQ in Geneva and participated in joint exercises in India and abroad. An Armor Brigade commander in his last assignment, he has been honored with three distinguished service awards. He is a member of the AY22 Resident Class at the U.S. Army War College.
Ron Granieri is an Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Army War College and the Editor of A BETTER PEACE.
The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, Department of Defense, United States Agency for International Development, or U.S. Department of State. The guests do not speak on behalf of their own nations.
Photo Credit: Kilogram photo created by kues1 – www.freepik.com and 3d circle vector created by rawpixel.com – www.freepik.com
Other releases in the “Eisenhower Series”:
- PRESERVING DOMESTIC SECURITY
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - OBSERVATIONS FROM NATO’S NORTHERN FRONT REVISITED
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - CANDID CONVERSATIONS ON DIVERSITY
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - THE EISENHOWER SERIES COLLEGE PROGRAM: 50 YEARS OF OUTREACH
(BACK TO SCHOOL) - A FORCE IN WHICH ANY CITIZEN FEELS WELCOME
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - TO WHAT END? INTERESTS AND VALUES IN AFGHANISTAN
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - STRATEGY FROM THE INSIDE OUT
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - STUDYING SOFT POWER AT THE WAR COLLEGE
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: THE DOD’S ROLE
(EISENHOWER SERIES) - SERVICE TO THE NATION: CLOSING THE CIVIL-MILITARY DIVIDE
(EISENHOWER SERIES)