William J. Perry Center For Hemispheric Defense Studies

10/07/2026

Space is playing an increasingly important role in everyday life, national policy, and security across the Western Hemisphere. In recognition of World Space Week, this edition of the Perry Perspective features Professor Arturo Sotomayor, who discusses why space policy and strategy matter for Latin America and the developing world.

10/06/2026

This month in Norfolk and Portsmouth, VA, the Perry Center hosted its Maritime Security Policy Course, bringing together over 40 participants from 19 Western Hemisphere countries.

Led by Professor of Practice Eric Driggs, the program featured insights from private sector experts, think tanks, U.S. government agencies, and military leaders. Participants gained firsthand exposure to U.S. maritime capabilities with visits to Naval Base Norfolk, the USS Truxtun, USS Iwo Jima, USCG Base Portsmouth, USCG Sector Virginia, and the USCGC Seneca.

09/30/2026

Este mes, la directora adjunta de Extensión y Admisiones, Kara O’Ryan, la profesora de práctica Celina Realuyo y el profesor Boris Saavedra dirigieron el Seminario de Egresados sobre Amenazas Transnacionales en Bogotá, Colombia, que reunió a 25 egresados del Centro Perry de 12 países.

A través de un intercambio dirigido por los propios egresados, los participantes compartieron conocimientos y perspectivas sobre el crimen organizado transnacional, los esfuerzos contra los cárteles, el tráfico ilícito, las tecnologías emergentes y las prioridades de seguridad y defensa de Estados Unidos, destacando la red de egresados del Centro Perry como una comunidad profesional para el intercambio de conocimientos y la colaboración regional.

El seminario concluyó el 17 de septiembre, fecha en la que también se celebró el 29.º aniversario del Centro Perry. Para conmemorar la ocasión, el Capítulo de Egresados de Colombia organizó un evento al que asistieron más de 150 egresados e invitados especiales, entre ellos el general de división colombiano Carlos Enrique Carrasquilla Gómez, egresado del Centro Perry y actual jefe de Defensa de Colombia, y el general Carlos Ospina, excomandante de las Fuerzas Armadas de Colombia. El subsecretario adjunto de Guerra para Asuntos de Seguridad de las Américas, Joseph M. Humire, pronunció unas palabras sobre la Estrategia de Defensa Nacional y las prioridades de Estados Unidos en el hemisferio occidental.

09/25/2026

Critical minerals are essential to defense, technology, and shared security across the Western Hemisphere.
In this edition of the Perry Perspective, Research Associate Sydney Knapp discusses the importance of critical minerals and the role of regional partners in securing their supply.

09/17/2026

09/11/2026

Strategic assets, from port facilities to telecommunications networks, are an important consideration for security in the Western Hemisphere.
In this edition of Perry Perspective, Professor of Practice Jeff Zinsmeister discusses the legal considerations surrounding the control and ownership of strategic assets.

09/04/2026

Ransomware can disrupt essential services and pose serious risks to critical infrastructure across the region.
In this edition of the Perry Perspective, Cyber Policy Fellow Heriberto Acosta-Maestre discusses the ransomware threat and the importance of strengthening cyber resilience.

08/31/2026

Last week, the Perry Center welcomed GEN Joseph A. Ryan, Commanding General of the U.S. Army Western Hemisphere Command, and his delegation for a roundtable discussion with Perry Center leadership and faculty.

The engagement provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on regional security priorities, professional military education, and opportunities to strengthen collaboration across the Western Hemisphere. The discussion also highlighted how the Perry Center’s academic expertise, research, education, and professional networks can support shared objectives and strengthen engagement with regional partners.

08/28/2026

Criminal organizations are increasingly adopting capabilities associated with asymmetric warfare, presenting complex security challenges in the region.

In this edition of Perry Perspective, Professor David Spencer discusses the evolving nature of terrorism, insurgency, and organized crime.

08/28/2026

This week, we welcomed 25 participants from Ecuador’s Joint Military Defense Academy (ADEMIC) General Staff Course.

The delegation received an organizational briefing and an overview of the U.S. National Defense Strategy from Dean of Academic Affairs William Godnick.

The visit also included a lecture facilitated by Professor Arturo Sotomayor on civil-military relations and hybrid threats, providing participants with an opportunity to examine key security and defense challenges facing the Western Hemisphere.