On September 15, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies launched the in-residence phase of its Cyber Policy Development and Artificial Intelligence Applications for Defense (CYBER-AI) course. The program brings together civilian and military professionals to examine the strategic implications of cyber governance, generative AI, and the protection of critical infrastructure for national defense and hemispheric security.

Course Director Dr. Boris Saavedra

Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo emphasized that the course reflects the convergence of unique national experiences into a unified force for hemispheric defense. “Governance is not only technical; it is political,” said Dr. Angelo. “And it requires leaders like you who understand the language of cyberspace, assess persistent threats, and design responses that strengthen the digital sovereignty of your countries and defend the critical infrastructure of our shared neighborhood.”

Directed by Perry Center Professor Dr. Boris Saavedra, CYBER-AI reflects the priorities of the 2023 National Security Strategy and Department of Defense guidance for the Western Hemisphere. The course emphasizes the convergence of political, strategic, and technological perspectives to equip participants with tools that strengthen policymaking, decision-making, and interagency cooperation in cyberspace.

Through lectures, simulations, and group exercises, participants will analyze the region’s vulnerability to ransomware, disinformation, and AI-driven attacks, while also exploring opportunities to reinforce democratic governance and build public–private partnerships. The course moves from theory to practice, preparing participants to develop innovative strategies that enhance state competitiveness and resilience in an era of accelerating digital transformation.