On May 20, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies welcomed a delegation of 78 students from Mexico’s National Defense College (CODENAL). The group was received by Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo, Professor Dr. David Spencer, and Professor Celina Realuyo.

The visit included two academic briefings aimed at fostering strategic analysis of contemporary hemispheric security and defense challenges. Dr. Spencer spoke on defense policies in the face of complex threats, followed by Professor Realuyo’s presentation on hybrid threats in the Americas.

“During my years in Colombia, Honduras, and Mexico, I learned a valuable lesson: effective security requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach,” said Dr. Angelo. “We promote spaces like this because we firmly believe that the security challenges we face in the Americas cannot be solved from a single trench. We need dynamic networks ready to respond with anticipation, flexibility, and commitment.”

Dr. Angelo also highlighted the critical role played by Perry Center alums who now serve in key leadership positions across the region. He recognized General Marco Antonio Álvarez Reyes, an esteemed graduate and current leader at CODENAL, for his professional excellence and dedication to advancing democratic governance in defense and security.

The visit reaffirmed the strong partnership between the Perry Center and Mexico’s Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA) and the enduring value of professional development and leadership as force multipliers in increasingly complex environments.