On August 24, 2026, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies welcomed 25 participants from Ecuador’s Joint Military Defense Academy (ADEMIC) General Staff Course.

The delegation received an organizational briefing and an overview of the U.S. National Defense Strategy from the Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. William Godnick.

The visit also included a lecture facilitated by Perry Center Professor Dr. Arturo Sotomayor on civil-military relations and hybrid threats, providing participants with an opportunity to examine key security and defense challenges facing the Western Hemisphere.