From June 30 to July 13, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies welcomed, for the fourth time, doctoral students from Mexico’s Center for Superior Naval Studies (CESNAV) as part of their biannual international academic residency for the Defense and Security PhD program. Since 2019, the Perry Center has supported this initiative – held virtually in 2021 and 2023 – by providing a two-week academic and professional immersion in the US defense and security ecosystem.

Led by Perry Center Professors Dr. David Spencer and Dr. Luis Bitencourt, the program featured lectures and discussions on the structure, function, and operations of the US Department of Defense and its interagency partners, including the Department of State and the Department of Justice, and executive-legislative responsibilities on defense matters. In addition to classroom instruction, participants followed a robust schedule of field visits to institutions such as the Pentagon, US Senate, Drug Enforcement Administration, Organization of American States, Inter-American Defense College, Inter-American Development Bank, and Washington-based think tanks engaged in Western Hemisphere security issues.

As part of the academic exchange, Dr. Spencer and Dr. Bitencourt also provided individual feedback on participants’ doctoral thesis proposals, offering guidance on strengthening their arguments, refining their methodologies, and identifying additional resources. This program reaffirmed the Perry Center’s commitment to advancing strategic education, strengthening regional academic partnerships, and fostering mutual trust and understanding with Mexican defense institutions.