Michael “Erik” Kurilla, retired United States Army General and former Commander of U.S. Central Command, will deliver a keynote address at the 2026 Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats, hosted by Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security. The Summit will take place April 23–24, 2026, in downtown Nashville.
General Kurilla brings decades of operational leadership across some of the most complex security environments in the world. As the 15th Commander of U.S. Central Command, he oversaw military operations and strategic engagement across a region central to global stability. His career also includes command of the XVIII Airborne Corps, the 82nd Airborne Division, and the 75th Ranger Regiment, as well as senior leadership roles within Joint Special Operations Command.
“General Kurilla brings a deeply operational perspective to modern conflict, shaped by decades of leadership across joint and special operations,” said General Paul M. Nakasone (Ret.), Founding Director of Vanderbilt University’s Institute of National Security.
His experience aligns closely with this year’s Summit theme, The Shadow of War, The Illusion of Peace: National Security in the Age of Asymmetry, particularly as it relates to competition, deterrence, and conflict in contested and volatile regions.
Now in its fifth year, the Asness Summit on Modern Conflict and Emerging Threats convenes senior leaders, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners to examine the evolving global security environment and develop interdisciplinary approaches to today’s most complex challenges.
Additional speakers and registration details will be announced in the coming weeks. Attendance is by invitation only. Those interested in learning more may complete the Summit interest form.