"The number one thing we [need for] global security is to listen. ... We need to listen to each other and have a coherent conversation with each other. If we disagree, that's fine. We have become engaged in an anger industry. We need to listen better to each other, our allies and partners, and above all, to our opponents."

He urged his audience not to underestimate the massive power of medical diplomacy, literacy and the breaking of language barriers. A school such as the Bush School with the new Albritton Center, encouraging Americans' education about the world around them, is critical, he said. It's so important, Stavridis said, for the United States to cease its culture of international isolation, and to launch more ideas and "fewer missiles," establishing a functioning balance between what he termed "hard" military power and "soft" global strategy through acts such as discourse or humanitarian works of the Peace Corps.

"There are times when you need 'hard' power," Stavridis said. "We're not going to negotiate a settlement with the Islamic State ... but as we go forward, I want you to have great confidence in our military's ability to do [hard power], and I want your help at this center, at this time, to find the right strategy for the United States of America in the 21st century."

Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.