The American College of Greece (ACG) had the honor of hosting one of the most influential figures in modern military strategy, General Andrew Poppas, as part of its ACG Distinguished Speakers Series 2025. The event, organized by the ACG Office of Public Affairs, ACG Office of Advancement-Alumni, and the ACG Greek Alumni Chapter, took place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. General Poppas, the distinguished Greek-American General and head of U.S. Army Forces Command, shared invaluable insights with an engaged audience at ACG’s Events Hall, drawing from his unparalleled career and personal experiences.
Under the theme “Trust and Leadership: Lessons in Service,” this event became a dynamic dialogue on leadership, the importance of integrity, and the role of core values in shaping successful individuals and resilient organizations. The session featured a panel discussion with General Poppas, Alexandros Costopoulos, CEO of Foresight Strategy & Communications and Secretary General of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM), and Dr. Konstantinos Filis, Director of ACG’s Institute of Global Affairs and Deree Professor of International Relations & European Affairs.
The event’s opening was marked by an inspiring address from Claudia Carydis, ACG Vice President of Public Affairs. She referred to the fact that 2025 is an important milestone in the extraordinary trajectory of The American College of Greece, stating that for 150 years, ACG, through academic excellence and its profound social impact, is proudly standing as a testament to the transformative power of Education. She also shared how General Poppas’ leadership is driven by an unwavering respect for his soldiers, emphasizing his belief in empathy as the cornerstone of leadership. This powerful insight resonated with Pierce students who had asked him earlier what he considered the most crucial trait for any leader. “Empathy,” Poppas replied, a sentiment that left the audience reflecting on the deeper aspects of leadership.
Building on Ms. Carydis’ introduction, Dr. Filis took to the stage and set the tone for an engaging exploration of the evolving global power dynamics and the critical issues redefining international relations. Both Dr. Filis and co-panelist Mr. Costopoulos, through their questions, highlighted the critical role of leadership and global strategies in today’s interconnected world.
Throughout the discussion, General Poppas took the audience on a personal journey, revealing how his Greek heritage profoundly shaped his career. He recounted the story of his father, a member of the Greek Resistance during World War II, who later immigrated to the U.S. and served in the Korean War. This legacy, he shared, instilled in him an unshakable sense of duty and the drive to serve, principles that still fuel his leadership today. It was a poignant reminder that leadership often stems from personal history, values, and the stories passed down through generations.
A key focus of the discussion was Greece’s strategic importance and its position as an essential player in global security. General Poppas shed light on the growing significance of Alexandroupoli as a strategic hub, crucial for military logistics and energy security. He also highlighted Greece’s increasing defense capabilities, citing significant investments such as the acquisition of F-35s and the country’s commitment to NATO, with defense spending now exceeding 3.7% of GDP.
General Poppas also emphasized the strength of Greek-American relations, which are experiencing a remarkable period of growth. He discussed how these relations are grounded in shared values and mutual interests, particularly in the context of regional stability. As the geopolitical environment continues to evolve, Greece’s role as a pillar of stability in southeastern Europe has never been more vital. Poppas stressed that the U.S. is steadfast in its support for European security, further bolstering the strategic partnership between the two nations.
The conversation also explored Europe’s role in an increasingly volatile world. General Poppas spoke candidly about the need for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities, pointing to initiatives from countries like Poland and Germany. He made it clear that while the U.S. remains committed to European security, Europe must take more substantial steps toward enhancing its defense infrastructure to face future challenges.
The event concluded with a thought-provoking Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with General Poppas on topics ranging from international security to the future of strategic cooperation in an ever-shifting geopolitical landscape. The exchange was a perfect conclusion to an event that not only highlighted the importance of leadership but also provided invaluable insights into global security and the dynamics shaping our world today.
If you would like to watch the panel discussion in full, please make sure to click below.