Conversations with History: Institute of International Studies, UC Berkeley

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This interview is part of the Institute's "Conversations with History" series, and uses Internet technology to share with the public Berkeley's distinction as a global forum for ideas.

Welcome to a Conversation with History. I'm Harry Kreisler of the Institute of International Studies. Our distinguished guest today is Admiral Charles R. Larson. Admiral Larson is the seventeenth Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Memorial Lecturer in National Security Affairs on the Berkeley campus. Admiral Larson is a former superintendent of the United States Naval Academy and former commander of the U.S. Pacific command (CINCPAC). As the senior U.S. military commander in the Pacific and Indian Ocean areas, he led the largest unified command, directing Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force operations across one hundred and three million square miles. He was both a naval aviator and a nuclear submarine commander.

1. Background ... influence of family ... books read ... choosing a naval career
2. Learning, Experience, and Education ... responsibility and teamwork ... teaching leadership ... adapting to technology ... comparing military and civilian educational institutions ... diversity in the military
3. Tour of Duty ... Washington fellowship ... at Interior ... at the White House ... carrying the nuclear codes ... Nixon ... Rickover ... Stewart Udall ... importance of ideas
4. Asia ... emergence of China ... assessing intent through capability ... U.S. response ... deterrance and diplomacy
5. Lessons Learned ... being ready for the job ... integration of military into society ... Vietnam war ... intervention ... informed voting

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