Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, retired from the United States Army, served as the commanding general of U.S. forces in Europe, based in Wiesbaden, Germany. During his military career, he played a central role in NATO’s transatlantic defense and cooperation strategy, overseeing troop deployment and coordination during a period of growing tensions with Russia. Since his retirement, Hodges has lived in Frankfurt and remains one of the most influential voices on European security, allied defense, and U.S. strategic policy toward Russia, China, and the Middle East.
In this interview, Hodges offers a broad analysis of the current state of Western defense architecture, the role of NATO, and the geopolitical challenges facing the Atlantic alliance. From the war in Ukraine to the spread of instability in the Middle East and Latin America, the former commander assesses Washington’s strategic decisions, warns of the dangers of a foreign policy without clear objectives, and reflects on the erosion of trust among Western allies. His perspective combines the precision of a soldier with the caution of a strategist who understands the limits—and consequences—of military power.
