Kermit Roosevelt Lecture

Overview

Join us for the prestigious Kermit Roosevelt Lecture, featuring General Christopher Donahue, Commanding General of US Army Europe and Africa.

The Kermit Roosevelt Lecture series is a cornerstone of UK-US military and academic collaboration, established to honour the legacy of Kermit Roosevelt, a distinguished American soldier, intelligence officer and advocate for UK-US cooperation. Initiated in 1947, the lecture series was endowed by Kermit Roosevelt Sr. to foster mutual understanding and dialogue between the armed forces of the US and the UK. Each year, the lecture series brings together senior military leaders, policymakers, and scholars to exchange ideas on critical defence and security issues. Hosted alternately in the UK and the US, the lectures have historically featured prominent figures from both nations, addressing topics ranging from military strategy and technological innovation to geopolitical challenges. The 2026 lecture at RUSI continues this proud tradition, reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations and providing a platform for thought leadership in an ever-evolving global security landscape.

About the speaker

Gen. Christopher Donahue assumed command of U.S. Army Europe and Africa in December 2024. Gen. Donahue is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, and was commissioned in 1992. In his previous assignment, he served as the 39th Commander of the XVIII Airborne Corps at Ft. Liberty, NC and as the Commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. Donahue’s other assignments include Commander, NATO Special Operations Component and U.S. Joint Special Operations in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel, Deputy Director for Special Operations and Counter-Terrorism, J-3, for the Joint Staff in Washington, D.C., Commandant, U.S. Army Infantry School and Director of the Soldier Lethality Cross Functional Team, and Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) of the 4th Infantry Division. Gen. Donahue has led Soldiers at all levels in Airborne, Ranger, Light and Mechanized units, to include service with 3 divisions, the 75th Ranger Regiment and USASOC. He deployed over 20 times in support of named operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Inherent Resolve, Atlantic Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, and in support of the Sudan crisis. His formative and key, Army and special operations, assignments include Director of Operations, Joint Special Operations Command, and 16 years in various USASOC organizations, first as a platoon leader, then as a troop commander, squadron commander, and finally as a brigade commander. Gen. Donahue’s military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Naval War College, and the U.S. Army War College Fellowship at Harvard University.