Nov 14, 2023 - Former Secretary of Defense for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama and CIA Director for George H.W. Bush, Dr. Robert M. Gates joined us to speak on subjects ranging from the Israel-Hamas war, the expansion of NATO, war in Ukraine, China’s increased aggression, and the state of democracy in the U.S.

This event was hosted in partnership with the George and Barbara Bush Foundation and the Clements Center for National Security at The University of Texas at Austin.

About the Author

Robert Gates served as the 22nd Secretary of Defense from 2006 to 2011 -- the only Secretary of Defense in U.S. history to be asked to remain in office by a newly elected president. A member of the National Security Council staff in four administrations, he served eight presidents of both political parties, and served in the CIA for nearly 27 years. He served as Director of the CIA from 1991 to 1993.

On Gates’s last day in office, President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor.

Before becoming secretary of defense in 2006, Gates was the President of Texas A&M University. Gates currently is a principal at the consulting firm, Rice, Hadley, Gates & Manuel, LLC, with former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. Additionally, he is Chancellor of William & Mary, his alma mater. Gates has authored four books, covering his experiences at CIA and at the Pentagon, leadership, and US nonmilitary instruments of power.