KSU will host its second annual symposium with the U.S. Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute Feb. 23 and 24. The keynote address will be delivered by Former German Defense Minister Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg and Former Chief of Staff for Colin Powell, F. William Smullen III.
The symposium is a forum to discuss conflict management approaches with topics including new security threats, the relationship of conflict management and strategic decision making, and strengthening civil and military operations.
Smullen held his chief of staff position from 2001 to 2003. Since then, he has served at Syracuse University as director of national security studies for the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and professor of public relations in the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Previously, Smullen served as a professional soldier for 30 years.
After retiring in 1993, he became an executive assistant to Gen. Colin Powell assisting in the writing and promotion of his autobiography and working as chief of staff for America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth.
Former German Defense Minister Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg began his political career in German parliament in 2002, becoming the party general secretary in 2008. He then became economics minister under Angela Merkel in 2009. Later that year he transitioned into the title of defense minister, a position where he made major adjustments, including ending conscription in Germany. He resigned from his post early in 2011 amidst accusations of plagiarism, a charge he conceded to, though he said he did so inadvertently.
Guttenberg will speak at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites and Smullen will speak at noon at The Commons.
