From June 2-13, 2025, the William J. Perry Center Hemispheric Defense Studies convened 102 participants from 15 countries for the resident phase of two concurrent courses: Countering Hybrid Threats in the Americas (CHTA) and Human Rights and Rule of Law (HR/ROL). Ambassador Carlos Bernardo Cherniak, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Argentina to the Organization of American States, delivered the keynote address. His presence highlighted the importance of multilateral engagement in upholding democratic governance and strengthening security in the region.
Ambassador Carlos Bernardo Cherniak
Over the course of two weeks, the CHTA program examined how hybrid threats—ranging from disinformation and cyberattacks to transnational organized crime and the malign influence of adversaries such as China, Russia, and Iran—are reshaping the defense and security landscape of the Americas. Case studies on Mexico, Colombia, and Central America grounded theoretical discussions, while sessions on artificial intelligence, illicit financial flows, and maritime and space security expanded participants’ strategic toolkits. Field experiences included a visit to the DEA Museum.
In the HRROL course, participants engaged in critical conversations on the strategic integration of human rights and the rule of law into security operations. Through practical simulations, academic dialogue, and site visits—including a briefing at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights and a visit to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum — students explored the application of international humanitarian law in contemporary conflict, humanitarian missions, and peacekeeping. The course also emphasized the evolving roles of military and civilian institutions in upholding legal and ethical standards across operational domains.
“[Our shared values] distinguish us from adversaries such as Russia, China, and Iran—who intentionally target civilians and critical infrastructure and employ cartels, insurgents, and traffickers to destabilize our societies. For the benefit of our citizens and our communities, we must hold the line to have the upper hand,” noted Perry Center Director Paul J. Angelo during closing remarks.
As we celebrate the accomplishments of both cohorts, the Perry Center expresses sincere appreciation to the course directors: Professor Celina Realuyo and Dr. Boris Saavedra (CHTA), Dr. Arturo Sotomayor and Dr. Jeffrey Zinsmeister (HR/ROL); to facilitators Dr. Óscar Palma, Dr. David Spencer, Dr. Yadira Gálvez (CHTA); and Brigadier General (ret.) Juan Carlos Gómez Ramírez and Ambassador María Teresa Belandria (HR/ROL); and to the twenty three guest speakers who shared their insights.
During the ceremony, Dr. Angelo also recognized Dr. Boris Saavedra — a retired Venezuelan Air Force General and long-time Perry Center faculty member—for his more than 20 years of service to the institution. In honor of his 15 years as a federal employee, he received a commemorative pin and certificate.
We are grateful to our participants, faculty, alumni, institutional partners, and Perry Center staff for making these two weeks a vibrant reminder of the power of shared learning, mutual respect, and hemispheric collaboration.
