Admiral James Stavridis On Climate Change, National Security, And 'The Restless Wave'
Oct 13, 2024
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Admiral James Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, discusses his new book, 'The Restless Wave,' and the evolution of warfare in the modern age. He highlights the contrasting nature of the war in Ukraine, combining low-tech trench combat with high-tech drone operations. Stavridis emphasizes climate change as a significant national security threat and reflects on the balance of military and humanitarian roles. He also draws lessons from historical leaders, advocating for unity and effective leadership in today's turbulent landscape.
The military identifies climate change as a national security threat, influencing disaster response and conflict dynamics like droughts in the Middle East.
Humanitarian operations conducted by the military enhance U.S. national security by fostering goodwill and stability in vulnerable regions through healthcare and support.
Deep dives
Adapting Military Strategies to Climate Change
The military takes the threats posed by climate change very seriously, recognizing its impact on national security. This is evident as military forces often assist in disaster response during crises like hurricanes and wildfires. Climate changes, such as droughts in the Middle East, can lead directly to conflicts, necessitating constant monitoring by military leaders. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten critical military bases, prompting proactive measures within the Department of Defense.
The Importance of Humanitarian Missions
Humanitarian operations are crucial for the military, providing significant opportunities to assist communities and prevent future conflicts. For example, missions deploying U.S. Navy hospital ships have treated hundreds of thousands, sometimes transforming lives through simple medical care. Such operations serve not only to alleviate suffering but also enhance U.S. national security by fostering goodwill and stability in vulnerable regions. This approach emphasizes the balance between hard power in combat situations and soft power through humanitarian efforts.
NATO's Ongoing Relevance
NATO remains vital due to its collective military resources and shared values of democracy and freedom. The alliance benefits from a combined defense budget that positions it as one of the world's foremost military coalitions, surpassing even China in budget capacity. Furthermore, NATO's strategic location on the Eurasian continent fosters essential economic partnerships, boosting trade and diplomacy between the U.S. and European nations. The historical cooperation shown after events like 9/11 reinforces the importance of maintaining strong alliances.
Lessons from the Past for Future Leadership
Historical reflections on past conflicts offer valuable insights into today's geopolitical challenges and the qualities needed for effective leadership. The admiral’s novel, set against World War II, explores themes of leadership embodied by figures like Admiral Chester Nimitz, illustrating the importance of calmness, integrity, and innovation. Written fiction allows for broader audience engagement, using storytelling to discuss complex global issues. This narrative approach encourages understanding historical contexts to better navigate present and future diplomatic situations.
Admiral James Stavridis led NATO's global operations from 2009 to 2013 as 16th Supreme Allied Commander for the alliance.
His new book is called "The Restless Wave." It's the latest installment of historical fiction from one of the country's most respected military leaders.
Stavridis recently warned that warfare is "shapeshifting in front of our eyes."
He says the war in Ukraine is a fight that's both very low tech, a battle being fought in the trenches, and high tech, with the use of drones in the air and at sea.
We sit down with Admiral Stavridis, discuss his latest book and answer your questions.