Students at the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University were paid a visit from former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates in their Russia in International Politics course. The course is taught by Bush School professor Ambassador Larry Napper.
During the ninety-minute class period, the students briefed Secretary Gates on their major project of the semester, a simulated meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin. The students presented Gates with their views on the possible agenda items for such a meeting. Next, Secretary Gates offered professional advice to the students based on his experience in similar meetings during his service to eight American presidents. Secretary Gates then responded to a wide range of questions on current problems in international relations and debates on these issues currently underway in Washington before the class finished.
Secretary Gates served as US secretary of defense under President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama and was appointed director of central intelligence by President George H.W. Bush. In 1999, Gates became the first dean of the Bush School and became president of Texas A&M University in 2002. He is currently the chancellor of the College of William & Mary.
