Skip navigation

Johns Hopkins SAIS to host 15th Annual Alvin H. Bernstein Lecture, “Making the Case for Change in the United States Marine Corps,” with General David H. Berger, November 6 in Washington, DC

MEDIA ADVISORY
 
Johns Hopkins SAIS will host its 15th Annual Alvin H. Bernstein Lecture on November 6. General David H. Berger, 38th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and alumnus (’05) will deliver the lecture, “Making the Case for Change in the United States Marine Corps.” The event is presented by the school’s Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies.
 
During the event, Mara Karlin, executive director of the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS, will moderate a discussion with General Berger focused on his Commandant’s Planning Guidance report, which provides strategic direction for the U.S. Marine Corps.
 
A distinguished ancient historian, Alvin H. Bernstein held positions at the Department of Defense (DOD) and taught at several DOD and civilian academic institutions, including Johns Hopkins SAIS. In keeping with his example and interests, the Alvin H. Bernstein Annual Lecture has as its organizing theme the intersection of history and national security policy.
 
Speaker
General David H. Berger
38th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps
 
Introduction
Eliot A. Cohen
Dean, Johns Hopkins SAIS
 
Moderator
Mara Karlin
Executive Director of the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies, Johns Hopkins SAIS
 
Time and Date
5:00 p.m-6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
 
Location
Johns Hopkins SAIS
Kenney Herter Auditorium
 
Registration
The event is open to the public and media, with registration. Members of the working press can request to cover the event by selecting "Media" on the online registration form. Final media access will be confirmed at least one day prior to the event. Pre-authorized camera setup will only be permitted from 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
 
Please note: General Berger will not be available for interviews.
 
Media Contact
Jason Lucas
Communications Manager
Johns Hopkins SAIS
office: +1 (202) 663-5620
[email protected]
 
About the Speaker
General David H. Berger assumed the duties of Commandant of the Marine Corps on July 11, 2019. He commanded at every level - including a Reconnaissance Company; 3d Battalion, 8th Marines in Haiti during Operation Secure Tomorrow; and Regimental Combat Team 8 in Fallujah, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a General Officer, he commanded 1st Marine Division (Forward) in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom; I Marine Expeditionary Force; U.S. Marine Corps Forces/Fleet Marine Forces Pacific; and Marine Corps Combat Development Command. General Berger's staff and joint assignments include serving as Assistant Division Commander of 2d Marine Division; policy planner in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate, J-5; Chief of Staff for Kosovo Force (KFOR) Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo; Director of Operations in Plans, Policies, and Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps; and Deputy Commandant for Combat Development and Integration. General Berger holds multiple advanced degrees including a Master of International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins SAIS.
 
About the Bernstein Lecture
Alvin H. Bernstein, a distinguished ancient historian and lecturer at Johns Hopkins SAIS who served in positions of high responsibility in the Department of Defense, was an exceptional educator in the civilian academic world (Yale and Cornell) and in the United States government (the U.S. Naval War College, National Defense University, and the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies). In keeping with his example and his interests, the Alvin H. Bernstein Annual Lecture has as its organizing theme the intersection of history and national security policy.
 
About the Philip Merrill Center for Strategic Studies
The Philip Merrill Center explores the relationship between politics and the many kinds of military power—from the use of terror by small, non-state groups to the threatened use of nuclear weapons—aiming to promote dialogue and innovative research on pressing national security issues. The Merrill Center develops educational materials and provides opportunities for university and professional teachers to develop skills in this field. As a center for strategic thought, it focuses on the relationship between history and policy, bringing together practitioners, scholars, and journalists to explore issues of intellectual substance and practical consequence.
 
The Merrill Center sponsors conferences and small seminars discussing contemporary security issues and strategic thinking on the broad challenges the U.S. faces today and will face in the future. In addition, the Merrill Center brings outside speakers to the Johns Hopkins SAIS community through the Alvin H. Bernstein Annual Lecture; the You Were There lecture series; and other lectures.
 
For more information, visit merrillcenter.sais-jhu.edu, @SAISStrat, or @SAISStrategicStudies
 
About Johns Hopkins SAIS
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a global institution that offers students an international perspective on today's critical issues. For 75 years, Johns Hopkins SAIS has produced great leaders, thinkers, and practitioners of international relations. Public leaders and private sector executives alike seek the counsel of the faculty, whose ideas and research inform and shape policy. Johns Hopkins SAIS offers a global perspective across three campus locations: Bologna, Italy; Nanjing, China; and Washington, D.C. The school's interdisciplinary curriculum is strongly rooted in the study of international economics, international relations, and regional studies, preparing students to address multifaceted challenges in the world today.
 
For more information, visit sais.jhu.edu or on Twitter @SAISHopkins
 
###
 

Date: 
Wednesday, October 30, 2019