Ben Hodges has first-hand experience of European security challenges. The former Commanding General of US Army Europe has spent almost four decades in senior military posts. Today, the retired Lieutenant General is one of the most sought-after international experts on NATO, transatlantic security and European defence policy. His military career began after he completed his officer training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. His very first appointment took him to Germany in 1980. Hodges spent a large part of his career within the 101st Airborne Division. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he commanded its 1st Brigade. He took on further leadership roles within the Multi-National Corps in Iraq and at Regional Command South in Afghanistan. Later, Hodges led the Allied Land Command in Izmir, which plays a central role in coordinating NATO land forces. From 2014 to 2017, he was Commander of US Land Forces in Europe (USAREUR) and, in this role, focused intensively on military cooperation amongst the Alliance partners, NATO’s operational readiness and credible deterrence against Russia. Following the end of his active military career, Hodges took up the Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies at the Centre for European Policy Analysis. He was Senior Advisor at Human Rights First and served as a senior NATO mentor for logistics. Today he advises companies and organisations on geopolitical developments, NATO and the European Union. For his commitment to transatlantic relations, Ben Hodges has received, amongst other honours, the Hessian Order of Merit, the Lucius D. Clay Medal and, in 2026, the Point Alpha Prize. In his talks, Ben Hodges provides insight into how geopolitical tensions arise and what consequences they have for Europe, the economy and companies operating internationally. His analyses are based on his own experience and highlight the conditions organisations need to remain capable of acting, even in times of crisis.