ORI Distinguished Speaker Series on National Security: Gen. David H. Berger

2026-09-17

ORI Distinguished Speaker Series on National Security: Gen. David H. Berger

September 17, 2026

9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Multicultural Center Room 1015

Defense Technology: Innovation, Adaptation, and the Changing Nature of Conflict

Join us on Sept. 17, 2026, from 9:30-11 a.m. for a conversation with retired Gen. David H. Berger as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series on National Security, hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation. Building on his experience leading one of the most significant modernization efforts in Marine Corps history, Gen. Berger will discuss how emerging technologies are transforming the character of conflict and national security. The talk will explore defense innovation, technology adoption, and the growing role of research institutions in advancing capabilities critical to future security and resilience. The talk will be followed by a fireside chat moderated by John Manza. Attendees will be invited to submit questions for discussion in the registration form and during the event. Register today.

About the Speaker: Gen. David H. Berger

David H. Berger is a retired four-star general who served as the 38th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 2019 to 2023. During his 42 years of military service, he commanded at every level and served multiple combat tours to include Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He also participated in numerous peacekeeping and humanitarian relief efforts. The Force Design effort he initiated as Commandant continues today as the essential framework for modernization and innovation within the Marine Corps.

About the Moderator: John Manza, Ph.D.

John Manza has wide ranging experience in international security affairs. Early in his career, he served as a marine infantry officer, with multiple deployments in the Pacific Rim, the Middle East and Central America. Later, as a civilian, he gained extensive experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, working on development and governance issues for the US Departments of State and Defense. Most recently, Manza served as the NATO assistant secretary general for operations, where he was responsible for the coordination and drafting of NATO’s lessons of Afghanistan report. He also was a nonresident senior fellow with the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Currently, Manza is a professor of practice at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School, where he teaches strategy. Manza has a Ph.D. in international relations from Wayne State University in Detroit.

Event Registration