On Thursday, November 10, the Perry Center welcomed visitors from the Argentine American Dialogue as part of that organization’s one-week visit to Washington, DC, to observe US national elections. The delegation included 50 current and former government officials, as well as influential leaders in Argentine civil society. In the days leading up to Tuesday’s presidential election, the Argentine American Dialogue delegation had the opportunity to observe polling locations, meet with party representatives, and learn about electoral processes from non-partisan officials who oversee registration and balloting.

Director Mark Wilkins oriented guests on the history and organization of the Perry Center. He then examined possible policy changes that may arise as a result of the 2016 presidential election. Later, Dr. Craig Deare, Dean of Administration for the College of International Security Affairs (CISA) at National Defense University (NDU), described the mission and programs of NDU and the University’s five colleges. To complement Director Wilkins’ overview of how recent election results will influence policy, Dr. Deare then explained some of the domestic political dynamics that influenced the results.

Among the other institutions that the Argentine American Dialogue will visit during their time in the United States are the Department of State and the Inter-American Defense College.