Countering Hybrid Threats in the Americas (CHTA) is a four-week course (two weeks distance-learning and two weeks in-residence) designed to address the challenges defense and security forces face when a myriad of actors with divergent interests and motivations collaborate to destabilize partner nation governments and societies in the Western Hemisphere. These threats come to be when terrorists, organized criminal groups, cybercriminals, and others join forces with undemocratic regimes from within and outside the region to take advantage of illicit markets for revenue generation or carry out actions to weaken the ability of democratically elected governments to implement public policies for security and development. The CHTA course brings together experts and participants from the defense and security sectors, whole-of-government, and the private sector to analyze key issues and propose frameworks and solutions to respond from a perspective of national and regional resilience. Upon course completion, participants are expected to present a policy paper for countering hybrid threats.
The course is designed to provide an educational opportunity for strategic thinking and analysis about hybrid threats and the strategies, policies, and mechanisms that military, law enforcement, and civilian leaders can leverage to combat these emerging threats. Upon completion of the course, each participant should be able to:
All participants must successfully complete a course writing assignment that may take the form of an essay, policy paper, action plan or similar.
Information Forthcoming
Candidates must be professionally engaged in defense or security issues in their countries, coming from the following institutions/activities:
Perry Center graduates are required to wait a minimum of 18 months between attending in-residence courses and are barred from attending the same course more than once. The Washington Security and Defense Seminar (WSDS) is exempt from both of these limitations.
In accordance with Department of Defense policy, citizens of “high income” countries (as established by the World Bank) are not eligible for scholarships. As of 01 July 2024, this restriction applies to the following Western Hemisphere nations and territories:
Citizens of these countries may still apply to courses, but in a fully self-funded status. Self-funded candidates must meet all eligibility standards and comply with all application requirements, including application deadlines, as well as being able to cover the expenses of their own travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals. US citizens cannot (by law) receive scholarships, but may also apply to attend in a self-funded status. US citizens and other self-funded candidates should contact the Registrar’s Office for additional guidance.
Candidates must possess a university degree or, in cases where a candidate does not hold a degree, equivalent practical experience. Military and police personnel must have completed a command and staff course or equivalent. Exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
This course is conducted in Spanish. Non-native speakers must demonstrate the ability to speak and write in Spanish at a bilingual level prior to acceptance and enrollment.
