Alfred von Waldersee vs Petr Pavel

Waldersee succeeded the elder Moltke as Chief of the German General Staff. He held the position until 1891. His tenure was marked by advocacy for a preventive war against Russia, which was not adopted by Chancellor Bismarck. He was known for his political ambitions and close ties to the Kaiser.

Waldersee was appointed Supreme Commander of the Eight-Nation Alliance forces during the Boxer Rebellion. He arrived in China after the relief of the legations in Beijing. His command oversaw punitive expeditions and the signing of the Boxer Protocol, which imposed heavy indemnities on China.

Pavel served as a Czech soldier in the Kosovo War, where he was involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his actions during the conflict.

Pavel was appointed Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces. He modernized the military, increased its readiness, and oversaw Czech contributions to NATO missions in Afghanistan and the Baltics. He served until 2015.

Petr Pavel served as Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, the highest military authority in NATO. He oversaw military strategy during a period of increased tension with Russia following the annexation of Crimea. He was the first officer from a former Warsaw Pact country to hold the position.

Petr Pavel was elected President of the Czech Republic, defeating Andrej Babis in the runoff. He ran as an independent with support from the center-right coalition. His election marked a shift towards a pro-Western, pro-NATO stance after the populist presidency of Milos Zeman.