The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs will host a Directors' Seminar with Author Benjamin Runkle, in the Belfer Center Library (L369).
"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." (Eric Greitens, Navy SEAL officer and author of The Heart and the Fist)
In his new book, Runkle, an ex-paratrooper, 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.
In his research of the topic, Runkle has also examined the manhunt strategy with a critical eye noting, "Never before have individuals been so threatening to the security of nation-states. And never before have nations had so many tools to dispatch these enemies. But is the effort worth the risk?" (Foreign Policy, May 9th, 2011)
Runkle is a former paratrooper, presidential speechwriter and political scientist at the RAND Corporation. He has a Ph.D in government from Harvard, and a Bronze Star 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.
RSVP REQUIRED! http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/events/runkle.html
As space is limited for this event, RSVPs will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.
Belfer Center Directors' Seminars are strictly off-the-record. By indicating your desire to attend the seminar, you agree that you will comply with the Belfer Center's strict policy against recording or disclosing the contents of the seminar. Your access is conditioned on your compliance with these restrictions. Should you violate these rules, the Center will pursue all available legal options and you will be excluded from all future events.
