Eric Greitens spoke on the topic, “Building the Future: How Iraq, War, and the Humanitarian Ethic Are Shaping the Next Generation of American Leadership.” He emphasized the need to be inspired by big ideas, such as the protection of human rights, the promotion of democracy, and the protection of the innocent. He said it was vital to understand the challenges we face, such as maintaining America’s moral leadership in the world. He talked about his deployment to Iraq and his work in war zones around the world. He responded to audience members' questions, as well as to questions sent by electronic mail from audience members at other locations.

His doctoral thesis, Children First, investigated the ways in which international humanitarian organizations can best serve war-affected children. He has worked as a humanitarian volunteer, documentary photographer, and researcher in Croatia, Rwanda, Zaire, the Gaza Strip, Albania, Cambodia, Mexico, Bolivia, and India. His award-winning documentary photographs were featured in the book, Community Strategies for Healing. Mr. Greitens is also a U.S. Navy SEAL officer and he has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Southeast Asia. In 2005-2006 he served as a White House Fellow. 

The “Issues for the 21st Century” series takes place in the Missouri Court of Appeals courtroom in the historic Old Post Office in downtown St. Louis.