From July 13–17, 2026, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and Paraguay’s Instituto de Altos Estudios Estratégicos (IAEE) co-delivered the National Strategy for Security and Development course, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing strategic education through institutional partnerships and burden-sharing.

The five-day program was jointly led by Professors Boris Saavedra and Celina Realuyo, with support from Research Associate Sydney Knapp. Developed and delivered through a collaborative 50/50 partnership, the Perry Center provided academic leadership while IAEE hosted the course, coordinated administrative and logistical support, and played an equal role in program implementation.

The program focused on statecraft, national power, and the role of emerging technologies – particularly artificial intelligence – in national competitiveness. It combined executive lectures, small-group discussions, and policy simulations centered on governance and strategy.

Senior Paraguayan officials, including the Minister of Defense, Minister of the Interior, and Executive Secretary of the National Defense Council, contributed guest lectures, emphasizing interagency coordination and responses to evolving security challenges.

Additional engagements included a keynote address by Professor Realuyo at IAEE and presentations by both faculty at the Universidad Metropolitana de Asunción.

This collaborative program reflects the Perry Center’s commitment to strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting shared responsibility in professional defense education, advancing strategic dialogue, and supporting civilian-led defense governance across the hemisphere.