In Episode 54, Bryan Wittmeyer interviews Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, USA (Ret.) the Pershing Chair for Strategic Studies at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), an organization dedicated to ensuring a strong and enduring transatlantic alliance rooted in democratic values and principles. He served 38 years in the U.S. Army as an Infantry Officer, commanding at every level from Platoon to Brigade Commander, including three operational deployments.  They discuss challenges facing the NATO alliance, key areas where we can strengthen the NATO alliance after COVID and why, his most influential lessons as a military leader, and the importance of taking responsibility. LTG(R) Hodges Recommended Reading: -Cathrine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie -Peter the Great: His Life and World by Robert K. Massie -Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer -Defeat into Victory by Field-Marshall Sir William Slim -George C. Marshall: Defender of the Republic by David L. Roll -Grant and Sherman Memoirs by Ulysses S. Grant and W.T. Sherman Interested in an interview with a particular leader? Have a question you'd like to hear answered? Contact us @DODReads or [email protected]. Finally, head to DODReads for more resources, free books, and interviews with military authors. The views presented in this episode are those of the participants and do not reflect the views of the Department of Defense or its components.