From August 18 to 22, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies partnered with the Uruguayan Naval War College to co-host a mobile course on Maritime Security Policy (MSP) in Montevideo, Uruguay. Co-directed by Perry Center Visiting Professor Eric Driggs and Captain Alejandro Vega, Director of the Uruguayan Naval War College, the course brought together participants from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay to deepen their understanding of the strategic, operational, and legal dimensions of maritime security in the Americas.
In a written message welcoming participants to the course, Captain Vega underscored the shared values and sense of duty behind regional maritime cooperation, stating, “Maritime security is not defended alone. It is built through discipline, cooperation, and the unwavering commitment of those who do not hesitate to protect what unites and defines our nations.”
The course offered an in-depth examination of the maritime domain as a dynamic space where law, geopolitics, commerce, and technology converge. Participants explored the economic and strategic importance of the world’s oceans, the centrality of maritime trade to the global economy, and the growing complexity of addressing illicit activities at sea – including trafficking in arms, narcotics, and persons, as well as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Additional sessions addressed the emergence of maritime cyber threats and the implications of new technologies on domain awareness and defense capabilities.
Designed to support US and partner nation policy priorities, the MSP course fosters long-term collaboration, enhances professional networks, and strengthens communities of interest in maritime security. The course provided a platform for civilian and military professionals to share perspectives and build operational alignment on shared regional challenges through lectures, moderated panels, and working group discussions.
During the graduation ceremony, Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo emphasized the Center’s core mission, stating, “The Perry Center exists precisely to promote cooperation, mutual understanding, and the development of strategic capabilities that strengthen collective security in the hemisphere.” His remarks reinforced the importance of building partnerships and cultivating the strategic leadership required to meet today’s shared security challenges.
The Perry Center is proud to work with the Naval War College to promote regional integration and a common vision for maritime security through professional exchange, education, and dialogue. This partnership emphasizes the significance of regional partnerships in confronting maritime security obstacles and the commitment of both organizations to cultivating a secure and stable maritime environment in the Americas.
