Are Modern Wars Winnable?

This event is being held in-person and is open to everyone.

From artificial intelligence and drone warfare to the complex realities of modern insurgencies, the nature of conflict is changing rapidly. In this shifting technological and geopolitical landscape, are modern wars really winnable?

Join Global Minnesota, the Minneapolis Club, and East West Connections for an engaging conversation with retired Lt. General Jon Jensen exploring how warfare is being reshaped and what these changes mean for global stability, national security, and the world ahead. He will be joined in conversation with retired U.S. Navy Commander Jon Olson.

Global Minnesota members, Minneapolis Club members, and veterans receive discounted admission. Members and veterans are welcome to bring a guest at the member rate.

Parking Information: Paid parking is available in the Minneapolis Club Ramp, accessible via the 8th Street entrance. Street parking is also available.

Register Here

Speaker: Lt. General Jon Jensen (ret.)

Lieutenant General (ret.) Jon Jensen recently completed a distinguished career of over 41 years in the National Guard, with a wide range of experience in homeland security, domestic disaster response, and operational/strategic planning. Prior to his retirement, Jon served as the Director of the Army National Guard and Acting Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau. His commands include The Adjutant General of Minnesota National Guard, 34th Infantry Division, and 1/34 Armored Brigade Combat Team. Jon has multiple overseas deployments across peacekeeping, peace enforcement, and combat tours. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance/Economics and advanced degrees from the United States Command and General Staff College and United States Army War College.

Moderator: Jon Olson, Commander, U.S. Navy (ret.)

Jon Olson is a retired U.S. Navy Commander and graduate of the United States Naval Academy who served 21 years on active duty, including deployments supporting Operations SOUTHERN WATCH, RESTORE HOPE, JOINT FORGE, and ENDURING FREEDOM. Trained by the CIA as a Department of Defense case officer specializing in clandestine HUMINT operations, he concluded his naval career as U.S. Naval Attaché in Helsinki, Finland. After retiring in 2011, Jon returned to Minnesota, earned a Master of Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and taught national security courses at Carleton College and Metropolitan State University. He continues to teach as adjunct faculty, previously hosted National Security This Week on KYMN Radio, and co-authors national security thrillers with fellow Naval Academy graduate David Bruns. Jon and his wife Melissa, also devote their home to caring for elderly abandoned dogs.

Please contact Addy Cross at [email protected] for questions or accessibility accommodations.

Thank you to the Minneapolis Club and East-West Connections for their partnership on this event.