From March 26–27, 2026, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies participated in the 4th Hemispheric Security and Defense Congress in Buenos Aires, organized and led by the Argentina alumni chapter, which played a central role in shaping and executing an agenda that addressed critical issues such as cyber defense, transnational organized crime, and the evolving regional strategic environment. Held at Argentina’s National Defense University (UNDEF), the congress convened government officials, military officers, academics, and public- and private-sector professionals from across the region to address strategic security and defense challenges and strengthen hemispheric cooperation in the face of multidimensional threats. Alumni from multiple countries across the Americas traveled to take part in both the congress and the associated Alumni Day events, underscoring their commitment and the strength of these professional networks.
The Perry Center and UNDEF supported and facilitated the event, while alumni drove its development and delivery. Perry Center Professor Arturo Sotomayor contributed to discussions on strategic defense challenges in the Americas and participated in the panel on academic and public-private cooperation. Professor of Practice Jeffrey Zinsmeister delivered keynote remarks during the conference’s high-level sessions, addressing hemispheric security dynamics in an era of increasing strategic competition. Across sessions, Perry Center alumni served as presenters, moderators, and panelists, reflecting their continued leadership and influence in regional security and defense.
Senior Argentine government officials participated in the congress, including Minister of Defense Lieutenant General Carlos Alberto Presti – who attended for multiple days – and Minister of Security Alejandra Monteoliva, highlighting the event’s growing importance and national-level relevance. The congress also included Perry Award recipients Mr. Juan Erardo Battaleme Martínez Battaleme and Dr. Marcos Pablo Moloeznick Gruer. Colonel Augie Dominguez, representing the US Embassy’s Military Group, also participated in the proceedings.
The second day of the congress coincided with Perry Center Alumni Day, commemorating the graduation of the first in-residence course in 1998 and providing an opportunity to recognize the reach and impact of the alumni network. Alumni Affairs Coordinator Georgina Crovetto engaged with participants and shared a video message from Perry Center Director Dr. Paul J. Angelo, reinforcing the importance of sustaining professional connections and advancing regional cooperation. Discussions throughout the day focused on interagency coordination, public-private partnerships, and emerging challenges—including strategic resources, outer space, and artificial intelligence – with alumni continuing to engage across sessions. During the congress, the Argentine alumni chapter also formally recognized the contributions of the Perry Center’s Office of Outreach, honoring Kara O’Ryan and Georgina Crovetto with certificates of recognition during a plenary session.
Throughout the event, the Perry Center’s participation reinforced its commitment to capacity building and to promoting integrated approaches to complex security challenges across the hemisphere. The active engagement of faculty and alumni highlighted the Center’s role as a key platform for advancing collaboration, strengthening institutional resilience, and informing security and defense policymaking.
