National security issues take center stage as Mike Pompeo, Robert O’Brien open Liberty’s new speaker series

Ambassador Robert C. O’Brien, the 27th U.S. National Security Advisor, was the featured guest at the inaugural Secretary Mike Pompeo Distinguished Speaker Series, sponsored by Liberty University’s Center for Law & Government, on Thursday evening in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom. The event brought O’Brien and Pompeo together to discuss a variety of topics related to international relations.

The new speaker series allows students to hear from and engage directly with current and former heads of state who have dedicated their lives to protecting America while advancing peace through diplomatic relations.

Pompeo, former CIA director (2017-18) and the 70th United States Secretary of State (2018-20), and O’Brien discussed the anticipated timeline of Operation Epic Fury, the recent capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicholas Maduro, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and other pressing issues related to national security. They also reflected on their experiences in high-level government roles, sharing both the most rewarding and most challenging aspects of their work and how their faith provided tremendous peace amid international and personal trials.

The one-hour segment concluded with a brief Q&A session, where they offered practical guidance to help students strengthen their résumés for careers in government and law. The event brought in over 200 attendees.

“Every one of these students reminds me why this is such a special place and why I’m so thrilled to be a small part of the mission here at Liberty University,” said Pompeo, who was appointed as a Distinguished Chair of the School of Government in 2023 and named senior executive director of the Center for Law & Government in October.

O’Brien is the co-founder and chairman of American Global Strategies LLC, a strategic advisory firm. He was the 27th United States National Security Advisor from 2019-2021. He currently serves on the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board (PIAB) in President Donald Trump’s second term.

“Robert shares our value set about making America strong, safe, and secure. (He has) an understanding of (how) government can do some really great things to keep us safe and how government can do some really terrible things to deny us our basic freedoms,” Pompeo said.

Weighing in on Operation Epic Fury, the current U.S. and Israel-led military campaign geared toward eliminating Iran’s nuclear capability and government infrastructure, O’Brien commended America’s service members for destroying large portions of Iran’s missile arsenal and demolishing a large share of the regime’s naval vessels. The operation began when American forces killed Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, on Feb. 28.

“The mainstream media is not reporting on how exquisite and capable our airmen and aviators have been in this campaign,” O’Brien said. “It’s something to study for generations. … We are dealing with a regime that is full of fanatics.”

During the Q&A, Pompeo advised students to build competitive résumés for national security agencies like the CIA and the FBI, highlighting the most in-demand skills necessary for careers in human intelligence.

“If you’re a young student thinking about going into national security or politics, I think going into the services is an amazing opportunity to become a leader,” said O’Brien, a former major in the U.S. Army Reserve.

“Most of the people who are successful, whether that’s raising a family, or their professional life, or time in service, most of them work their tail off,” Pompeo added. “And they do it with the simplest task, and they do it with the most complicated task. … Keep your faith, tell the truth, and work your tail off. If you do those three things, many days good things will happen.”

Earlier that day, Pompeo joined 12 students from the Helms School of Government for an exclusive National Security Simulation. He shared insights on crisis management from his time negotiating denuclearization with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He then challenged students to consider alternative negotiation strategies. Part two of the simulation will be held on April 9, when the students will present these alternatives directly to Pompeo, who offer critique and feedback.

Senior politics and policy student Kinkade Garland said being chosen for the simulation was an honor.

“I’m very grateful to be put into this position that I wouldn’t have at other universities,” he said. “I hope to have one of my ideas succeed and grab the attention of Secretary Pompeo. (I hope he finds) my ideas enlightening, beneficial, and perhaps new. A new age brings new ideas and a different position. The ideas of the past haven’t seemed to work, and sometimes thinking outside the box is more beneficial.”

From March 31 to April 2, students will participate in the Helms School of Government’s sixth annual Spring Public Policy Conference, where they will join professors in presenting research findings on matters related to national security, international relations, law, and governance from a Christian perspective.