The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia presents General David Petraeus, April 29, 2016

One of the most effective and highly decorated military leaders in recent U.S. history, General David H. Petraeus—a four-star general whose distinguished military career spanned over 37 years and culminated in six straight commands (five of which were in combat) — will join Council members to address the most significant global challenges facing us today, including ongoing international security issues and the tasks of strategic leadership in the 21st century. Widely credited for changing the course of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, General Petraeus was also instrumental in reshaping American military doctrine and served in multiple campaigns, including nearly seven years deployed following 9-11. Petraeus has been described as one of the “great battle captains of American history.”

Following his military service, Petraeus led the CIA, where he oversaw significant achievements in America’s global counterterrorism campaign, pursued a substantial initiative to increase worldwide intelligence coverage, guided the development of a strategic plan for the agency and oversaw the establishment of a new Economic Security Center.