The Hoover Institution Center for Revitalizing American Institutions webinar series features speakers who are developing innovative ideas, conducting groundbreaking research, and taking important actions to improve trust and efficacy in American institutions. Speaker expertise and topics span governmental institutions, civic organizations and practice, and the role of public opinion and culture in shaping our democracy. The webinar series builds awareness about how we can individually and collectively revitalize American institutions to ensure our country’s democracy delivers on its promise.
The Hoover Institution's Center for Revitalizing American Institutions invites you to join us for an engaging conversation on Understanding the Civilian-Military Relationship in American Democracy with General Christopher G. Cavoli, US Army (Ret.), General Joe Dunford, USMC (Ret.), and H.R. McMaster on May 6, 2026, from 10:00-11:30 a.m. PT.
This webinar explores the evolving relationship between civilian leadership and the military in the United States—a cornerstone of democratic governance. Drawing on historical context, recent case studies, and expert analysis, the discussion will examine how mutual trust, accountability, and respect for constitutional norms sustain healthy civil-military dynamics. Participants will gain insight into current challenges, including political polarization, public perceptions of the armed forces, and the appropriate role of military voices in national security and domestic affairs. The session aims to deepen understanding of how civil-military balance reinforces both national security and democratic resilience.
About the Speakers
General Chris Cavoli is a partner at Valor Equity Partners. He joined the firm in 2025 after a thirty-eight-year career in the US Army, from which he retired as a four-star general. His final posting was as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe. During his career, Cavoli was also a trained specialist in Russian affairs and served in numerous related postings in the United States and abroad. He holds numerous US military and civilian awards and has been decorated by many governments throughout the world. He holds an AB in biology from Princeton University and MA in Russian studies from Yale University.
General Joseph F. Dunford Jr. is a senior managing director at Liberty Strategic Capital and a member of the firm’s investment committee. He previously served as the nineteenth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (2015–19), the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal military advisor to the president, secretary of defense, and National Security Council. Commissioned in 1977, Dunford served as an infantry officer at every level, including commanding the Fifth Marine Regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also served as the thirty-sixth commandant of the Marine Corps and as commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan. He holds degrees from Saint Michael’s College, Georgetown University, and the Fletcher School. Dunford serves on several corporate and nonprofit boards supporting veterans and national leadership initiatives.
H.R. McMaster is the Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University. He is also the Bernard and Susan Liautaud Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and a lecturer at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. He was the twenty-fifth assistant to the president for national security affairs. Upon graduation from the US Military Academy in 1984, McMaster served as a commissioned officer in the US Army for thirty-four years before retiring as a lieutenant general in June 2018.
