A Conversation with General James Mattis: What is the Role of the Military in a Democracy?

Online Event December 2, 2021, 1:00 to 2:30 PM

Concord, NH (November 12, 2021) - On December 2, join former Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis, retired War College professor Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith, military veterans, NH ROTC candidates, and high school youth in a civil and nonpartisan conversation about the role of the military in a democracy.

The New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education (NH Civics), New Hampshire PBS, and the Warren B. Rudman Center at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law are pleased to present this William W. Treat Lecture in partnership with the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at Saint Anselm College, Citizens Count, and the New Hampshire Supreme Court Society.  

This free event will be held online. Please visit nhcivics.org/events to register and to receive a viewing link. 

The conversation will feature participants from sites across the state including Fall Mountain Regional High School JROTC in Langdon, White Mountains Regional High School JROTC in Whitefield, Manchester West High School JROTC, UNH Durham ROTC, and UNH Law Veterans Law Society in Concord.

General Mattis to Share Insights, Experiences with NH’s Youth

“I am pleased that so many young people will participate in this conversation. They are the next generation and I am eager to hear what’s on their minds,” noted General Mattis. “I am looking forward to sharing my experience with them.”

Role of Military Crucial Today

“This conversation will speak to both youth and adults. Understanding the role the military plays in our constitutional system of government is crucial today” added Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith, retired War College professor. “It’s important to understand what it means when an officer takes the Oath to preserve, protect, support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign or domestic. This Oath unites our military with members of the executive branch and congress who all pledge allegiance to the Constitution.” 

General James Mattis served over 40 years in the Marine Corps as an infantry officer, plus duty in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, as NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and as Commander of U.S. Central Command comprised of 250,000 U.S. and allied troops in combat across the Middle East and South Asia. Retiring in 2013, he was a Davies Family Scholar at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. Subsequently he served as the 26th Secretary of Defense from January 2017 through December 2018.

Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith draws on her 40-year career in public service at the local, national, and international arenas. Over her career she had leadership roles in the United States Senate, the National War College, and in Saudi Arabia. She has written and lectured on the Constitution, legislative strategy, strategy and culture, democracy and governance, and military family issues. A Professor of National Security Strategy for 14 years at the National War College in Washington, DC, Dr. Breslin-Smith was the first woman to Chair the Department of National Security Strategy. 

Generous Supporters

“This event, and the William W. Treat Lecture Series, is made possible with support from New Hampshire Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Humanities,” said Martha Madsen, executive director of the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education (NH Civics). “The Treat Lecture Series honors Judge Treat’s legacy of bridging political and other divides to improve discussions central to democratic society.” 

Please visit nhcivics.org/events to register for this free event.    

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About the New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education (NH Civics)

The New Hampshire Institute for Civics Education (NH Civics) helps develop, nurture, and maintain an informed, engaged, and civil New Hampshire citizenry. Students who have access to high-quality civics education are more likely to vote and discuss politics at home, volunteer and work on community issues, speak publicly, and communicate with elected representatives. NH Civics provides educator professional development, student programming, and public lectures.

About the Warren B. Rudman Center

The Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership & Public Service at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law serves as a hub for public discourse on the policies and current events that shape our society. It provides programmatic and financial support for students interested in exploring careers in public service while supporting public programming and academic inquiry that align with its mission. The Center honors former U.S. Senator Warren B. Rudman, also the state’s attorney general, who was widely admired for his integrity and willingness to work with politicians across the aisle to advance the public interest.   

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