Curated by André Bernard, former Vice President of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation, In Conversation features great thinkers and influential voices whose contributions shape our culture today. Crossing the fields of politics, journalism, humanities, and the arts, these conversations will explore fresh perspectives that spark curiosity and ignite new ways of thinking about our most pressing challenges.
David H. Petraeus is a retired four-star U.S. Army general, military strategist, and public servant whose career spanned over 37 years. Petraeus became a central figure in the post-9/11 era, leading the surge of U.S. forces in Iraq as commander of Multi-National Force–Iraq, then commanding U.S. Central Command, and later overseeing NATO and U.S. forces in Afghanistan. In 2011, he was confirmed unanimously by the Senate to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and he resigned the following year. Since leaving government, Petraeus has worked in the private sector, academia, and think tanks, serving as chairman of KKR Global Institute and as a senior fellow at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs. His bestselling book, Conflict: The Evolution of Warfare from 1945 to Gaza, co-authored with Andrew Roberts, was published by HarperCollins in 2023.
The Mount wishes to thank Robert Solerno and Margaret Skaggs, and Barbara J. Cooperman for supporting this program.
IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION:
- This one-hour talk takes place in The Mount’s Event Tent, an open-air, 400-seat tent adjacent to the parking lot. Please be mindful of the weather and plan accordingly.
- In the event of extreme weather, such as excessive heat or severe thunderstorms, this program may be moved indoors to The Duffin Theater at Lenox Memorial Middle & High School, 197 East Street, Lenox, MA. All ticket holders will be notified by email at least two hours before the scheduled start time if a venue change is necessary.
- Seating for all programs at The Mount is first-come, first-served. If you have seating preferences, we recommend arriving fifteen minutes early.
- Accessible seating is available. To discuss arrangements, please contact us by phone: 413-551-5111 x5; or email: programs@edithwharton.org. For more information about accessibility, review The Mount’s accessibility webpage.
- A book signing will follow this talk. Books can be purchased at the event from The Mount Gift & Bookstore or in advance via Bookshop.org
- Questions? Email: programs@edithwharton.org; or phone: 413-551-5111 x2











