The exemplary and still highly relevant statecraft of Theodore Roosevelt
In his address at the National War College, James N. Mattis stresses both the inspirational power of Theodore Roosevelt and the United States. Mattis provides examples of presidents whose actions fit Roosevelt’s mantra of leadership, and he relates the story of a captured solider in Iraq who hoped to somehow immigrate to the United States. Mattis asserts that Roosevelt knew the value of power, but he also cultivated the diplomacy of inspiration, and Mattis concludes that inspiration trumps intimidation. Mattis also contends that the post-World War II “Greatest Generation” of American leaders took their cue from the example set by Roosevelt.
Four photographs, and a page devoted to pictures of Mattis with a brief biography, populate the address.
