William J. Perry Center For Hemispheric Defense Studies

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.

08/27/2026

08/24/2026

The Perry Center’s Countering Hybrid Threats in the Americas (CHTA) and Homeland Defense and Border Security (HDBS) courses concluded with graduation activities, with Joseph M. Humire, Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Americas Security Affairs, delivering remarks to participants ahead of the graduation ceremony.

Mr. Humire outlined an America First approach to Western Hemisphere defense, emphasizing four priorities: defending the U.S. homeland, strengthening partnerships, maintaining credible deterrence, and ensuring allies and partners contribute to their own defense and security.

He discussed the shift from counterterrorism toward great power competition and the need for flexible realism as the United States navigates an increasingly complex global security environment. He emphasized prioritizing defense resources, adapting to evolving threats, and maintaining focus on the challenges most directly affecting U.S. national security.

Mr. Humire also highlighted the importance of a strong security perimeter across Latin America and the Caribbean, including efforts to counter narcoterrorist networks and strengthen cooperation with trusted regional partners. He underscored that a secure and stable Western Hemisphere is essential to protecting the U.S. homeland and advancing shared security interests.

08/24/2026

The Perry Center has concluded its Hybrid Threats and Border Security courses.

Over the past two weeks, participants engaged in discussions, lectures, and practical exercises focused on hybrid threats, homeland defense, and border security challenges across the Western Hemisphere.

The programs brought together civilian and military professionals from across the region to exchange perspectives, strengthen partnerships, and explore policy approaches to evolving security challenges.

We thank all participants, faculty, and partners who contributed to two weeks of meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

08/20/2026

Digital transformation and the rapid spread of generative AI are creating new cybersecurity challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean.
In this edition of the Perry Perspective, Professor Boris Saavedra discusses the importance of cybersecurity policy as the region becomes increasingly reliant on interconnected systems.

08/14/2026

What is defense governance and why does it matter?

In this edition of the Perry Perspective, Professor Luis Bitencourt introduces this longstanding question in political science and its connection to security.

08/13/2026

REDCA – Red de Egresados Centroamericanos continues to strengthen connections and advance regional collaboration among Central American alumni.
This past month, REDCA hosted its third official webinar on hybrid threats, disinformation, cybersecurity, and cognitive warfare, as well as a forum on human trafficking in recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. These efforts, together with new academic publications, specialized security and defense content, and the addition of new members from across the region, are expanding opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional engagement.
Congratulations to REDCA on this important progress and on its continued commitment to building a connected, informed, and collaborative Central American alumni community.