Admiral James Stavridis: Leadership at the Edge - The Moral Compass of Command | EDGE 2026
11-Feb-2026
In this session from the Shifting Geopolitical Centers of Gravity pillar, Admiral James Stavridis examines what leadership requires in an era defined by technological acceleration, geopolitical tension, and shifting global values.
Drawing on decades of experience at the highest levels of military command, he connects leadership discipline with real-world strategic insight — from innovation and team dynamics to the transformation of warfare in Ukraine and the long-term structural shifts shaping this century.
The session bridges executive leadership with geopolitical reality, offering a pragmatic framework for leading in unstable environments.
Key Takeaways:
• Why Taiwan represents a rising but time-sensitive geopolitical risk.
• How military capability depends not just on spending, but operational experience.
• Why Europe’s defense capacity is often underestimated.