The Vanderbilt University Institute of National Security is honored to announce General Dan Caine, the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will headline the Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, April 23–24, 2026, in downtown Nashville, TN.
As the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and principal military advisor to the President, Secretary of War, and National Security Council, General Caine brings unmatched perspective to this year’s Summit theme: The Shadow of War, The Illusion of Peace: National Security in the Age of Asymmetry.
“General Caine brings a rare combination of operational, intelligence, and strategic leadership experience to the Asness Summit,” said Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University. “At a moment when we see rapid changes in war fighting and national security, his perspective will be invaluable to the conversations we are convening at Vanderbilt.”
General Caine assumed the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in April 2025. A command pilot with more than 2,800 flight hours in the F-16, including over 150 combat hours, his career spans combat aviation, special operations, and senior interagency leadership across the Department of Defense, the White House, and the Intelligence Community. His last assignment before becoming Chairman was as the Associate Director for Military Affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Now in its fifth year, the Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats convenes senior leaders from government, industry, academia, and the military—alongside the next generation of national security leaders—for candid, forward-looking dialogue. General Caine’s participation underscores the Summit’s standing as a premier national forum for examining the evolving landscape of global security.
Additional speakers and registration details will be announced in the coming weeks. Attendance is by invitation only. Interested individuals are invited to complete the interest form for additional information.