The Accidental Admiral: A Sailor Takes Command at NATO

Jim Stavridis, a U. S. Naval Academy graduate with a master's degree and doctorate from Tufts University, was selected to be NATO's sixteenth Supreme Allied Commander. He is the author of numerous books and articles and has a wide range of interests, educational background, and understanding of strategic doctrine. Stavridis oversaw NATO operations in Afghanistan, military intervention in Libya, and preparation for possible war in Syria. He also shares his insights into the personalities of President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretaries of Defense Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, and Chuck Hagel, Afghan President Hamid Karzai, and Generals David Petraeus, Stanley McChrystal, John Allen, and many more. Stavridis is an advocate of Smart Power, which he defines as the balance of hard and soft power, and stresses the need to build bridges, not walls, to achieve security.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Naval Institute Press

After being selected as NATO's sixteenth Supreme Allied Commander, The New York Times hailed Jim Stavridis as a Renaissance admiral. A U. S. Naval Academy graduate with a master's degree and doctorate from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, fluent in both French and Spanish, this author of numerous books and articles impressed the Navy's leaders and senior Pentagon civilians with his wide range of interests, educational background, keen understanding of strategic doctrine, mastery of long-range planning, and command of international affairs. Since NATO had previously been led by generals, Stavridis saw his assignment as the first admiral to take command as somewhat accidental. As the American and NATO commander in Europe responsible for 120,000 coalition troops serving in fifty-one nations, on three continents and at sea, he had come a long way since almost leaving the Navy for law school five years after receiving his commission.

The Accidental Admiral offers an intimate look at the challenges of directing NATO operations in Afghanistan, military intervention in Libya, and preparation for possible war in Syria, as well as worrying about the Balkans, cyber threats, and piracy, all while cutting NATO by a third due to budget reductions by the twenty-eight nations of the alliance. More than just describing the history of the times, Stavridis also shares his insights into the personalities of President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Secretaries of Defense Robert Gates, Leon Panetta, and Chuck Hagel, Afghan President Hamid Karzai; Generals David Petraeus, Stanley McChrystal, John Allen, and many more. Known as an innovator and an early adopter of technology and social media, Stavridis' ability to think outside the box and his willingness to take risks have earned him a reputation as a visionary leader in the military and diplomatic circles.

In conclusion, The Accidental Admiral is a must-read for anyone interested in the history, politics, and strategy of modern warfare. Stavridis' insights and anecdotes provide a unique perspective on some of the most critical events of our time, and his leadership and innovation have helped shape the course of international relations. Whether you are a military professional, a political analyst, or just a curious reader, this book will provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682478547