The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs will host a Student & Fellows' Seminar with Author Benjamin Runkle, in the Belfer Center Library (L369), where he will discuss his career path after Harvard University.
Runkle earned his Ph.D. in Government from Harvard and was a course assistant to Graham Allison. He is a former presidential speechwriter, political scientist at the RAND Corporation and paratrooper in the U.S. Army. He has a Bronze Star medal from his service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has worked in the Department of Defense and on the National Security Council, and is currently a professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee.
Runkle’s new book, Wanted Dead or Alive: Manhunts from Geronimo to Bin Laden, details the manhunts for bin Laden, Geronimo, and others around the globe including: Filipino rebel leader Emilio Aquinaldo, Mexican bandit Pancho Villa, Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega and Iraq War villains Saddam Hussein and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Runkle breaks new ground by placing bin Laden’s story in the context of earlier manhunts, identifying the enduring trends and factors involved in conducting strategic manhunts.
Author and former Navy Seal officer Eric Greitens wrote about Runkle’s book, “The successful Navy SEAL raid to kill bin Laden is one of many unforgettable stories of drama, tragedy, and courage Ben Runkle gives us in this page-turning and groundbreaking work of history... A work that will be embraced by readers of both military history and the best action thrillers.”
RSVP REQUIRED! To RSVP, please email: belfer_events@hks.harvard.edu
As space is limited for this event, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
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