The William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies is a trusted agent uniquely positioned to convene the leading network of security and defense practitioners in the Americas in ways that promote dialogue, encourage strategic thinking, and facilitate shared solutions to contemporary challenges in the areas of defense sector governance, rule of law, transnational and asymmetric threats, cybersecurity, and strategic planning. By offering executive education, producing cutting-edge research, and promoting cohesion among alumni, the Perry Center distinguishes itself as the premier forum for supporting countries in the Western Hemisphere build more effective and accountable security and defense institutions.
The Perry Center supports the community of security and defense professionals in the Americas to pursue collaborative approaches to mutual opportunities and challenges. Through academics, research, and outreach, including ministerial-level consulting, we advance sustainable institutional capacity, strengthen the rule of law and democracy, and promote greater understanding of US policy throughout the Western Hemisphere.
Democratic security and defense institutions that make the Western Hemisphere safer, stronger, and more prosperous and afford the United States and its partners an enduring advantage for war.
The William J. Perry Center, originally known as the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS), was born out of the first Defense Ministerial of the Americas (DMA) in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1995, a conference established by then-US Secretary of Defense William J. Perry to convene defense ministers from around the hemisphere to discuss shared defense and security issues. At the inaugural assembly, participating officials expressed two concerns: the need to strengthen ties between civilian and military officials in hemispheric defense ministries and the need to increase the number of qualified civilian professionals trained to deal with defense issues. In response to these quandaries, during the second DMA held in Bariloche, Argentina, in 1996, Secretary Perry proposed creating a regional center dedicated to training civilian defense officials and conducting educational activities to bring military and civilian leaders together to discuss important defense and security challenges. Driven by the consensus that mutual security was dependent on the stability of democratic states, as well as transparency and accountability in the defense and security sectors, participating officials agreed that only through openness, the free exchange of ideas, and greater trust could a more stable hemispheric and global security environment be achieved.
Between 1996 and September 1997, preparatory work for what became CHDS was conducted by a team from the US Department of Defense and the National Defense University which included consultation with regional stakeholders such as the defense ministries and civilian academics. Inaugurated on 17 September 1997, CHDS opened its doors. The following day, the Center’s first event kicked off: a 2-day Hemispheric Conference on Education and Defense. Its first director, COL (ret.) John Cope, and two faculty members officially reported for duty in December. CHDS conducted its first three-week course, the Defense Planning and Resource Management Courses in March 1998. The Center also conducted the first of many in-region seminars in Bolivia that year.
On April 2, 2013, the Center officially became known as the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (The Perry Center) in commemoration of its founder, the 19th Secretary of Defense, Dr. William J. Perry. In June 2014, the Office of the Secretary of Defense appointed Mr. Mark Wilkins as Director. In collaboration with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Wilkins initiated a strategic reassessment of the Center’s mission and goals that culminated in a new set of priorities for the future, including support for the Department of Defense’s Defense Institution Building (DIB) initiative. The Center’s current director, Dr. Paul Angelo, began his tenure in June 2022. In 2024, the Spanish translation of the Center’s name changed to “Centro de Estudios de Defensa Hemisférica William J. Perry” to align with the English version more closely.
Recognizing the need for stronger government institutions and more proficient civilian and military defense leadership in Central America, the Center will act as a catalyst to incubate, enhance and sustain transparent and capable defense and security governance institutions that encourage democratic values, rule of law, and good governance–as well as promote key defense strategic interests and secure security cooperation investments. The Center will accomplish this mission by building institutional capacity through the development of professional ministry-level officials, promoting civilian control of the military, and, with the support of stakeholders, developing and facilitating the implementation of national defense strategies and policies.
Twenty-seven years later, the Center continues to evolve, using education, outreach, strategic communications, and research to achieve an expanded mission of bolstering partner capacity and strengthening trust, mutual understanding of US and regional defense and international security policy issues, and regional collaboration in order to ensure a more stable and secure hemisphere.
Celebrating 30 Years
The William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2027, marking three decades since its establishment on September 17, 1997. For 30 years, the Center has brought together defense and security professionals from across the Americas to advance hemispheric dialogue, strengthen professional networks, and support cooperation on shared security challenges.
This year, the Perry Center celebrates 30 years. One enduring mission. Thirty years of hemispheric defense studies. Thirty years of service, partnership, and institutional impact. Thirty years of hemispheric engagement. And 30 years of dedication from the faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and supporters who have contributed to the Center’s success and helped build what has become a lasting professional community across the hemisphere.
Renaming of the Center, April 2013
Since its founding, the Perry Center has provided a forum for intellectual exchange, professional education, and dialogue among civilian and military leaders. Through courses, seminars, workshops, research, and engagement with partner institutions, the Center has connected generations of professionals and fostered relationships that extend well beyond the classroom.
The Center’s history is defined not only by the programs it has delivered, but by the people and partnerships that have made them possible. Faculty and staff, alumni and institutional partners, and supporters across the hemisphere have each contributed to the Perry Center’s enduring impact. Together, they form a community committed to strengthening defense and security institutions and advancing cooperation throughout the Americas.
As the Perry Center marks 30 years, its history provides a foundation for the future. The security environment across the Western Hemisphere continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and new opportunities for cooperation. The Center remains committed to its enduring mission of advancing hemispheric defense studies, strengthening professional relationships, and creating opportunities for meaningful strategic dialogue.
Our 30th anniversary is both a celebration of what has been accomplished and a renewed commitment to what lies ahead.
On October 19, 2026, the Perry Center officially unveiled its 30th anniversary campaign, celebrating three decades of service, partnership, and institutional impact across the Western Hemisphere.
For 30 years, the Perry Center has built connections, strengthened partnerships, and advanced hemispheric engagement. Our history reflects where we have been. Our mission continues to guide where we are going.
Authorized under 10 USC § 342, the DoD Regional Centers for Security Studies (RCs) are international venues for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, exchange of ideas, and training involving US and foreign military, civilian, and nongovernmental participants, utilizing their unique academic forums to build strong, sustainable international networks of security leaders. RCs are unique among institutional capacity building (ICB) providers, as they target a primarily multilateral, inter-ministerial, senior-level audience.
The RCs support the National Defense Strategy objective of strengthening alliances and attracting new partners by: (1) Offering executive-development strategic-security studies, research and outreach in rigorous outreach programs that foster long-term collaborative relationships; (2) Developing and sustaining relationships and communities of interest among security practitioners and national security establishments, especially in defense, throughout the region; and (3) Enhancing enduring partnerships among the nations of the region.
While RCs support a range of policy priorities directed by the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and Geographic Combatant Commands (GCCs), and requests from foreign partners, they prioritize three functional areas, in accordance with their statutory mandate: territorial and maritime security, transnational and asymmetric threats, and defense sector governance.
* Framework text obtained from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)
