From July 7 to 11, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies partnered with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI-APCSS), the US Embassy in Ottawa, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Department of National Defence, and the Centre for International Governance Innovation to co-host a joint workshop on China’s hybrid warfare strategies in Ottawa, Canada.

The five-day program convened more than 30 emerging leaders from the Indo-Pacific, the Americas, Europe, and the United States. Participants explored China’s use of cyber threats, economic coercion, and attacks targeting the defense industrial base through scenario planning, case studies, exercises, and peer-to-peer exchanges. The workshop provided a platform to build professional relationships, strengthen international cooperation, and enhance shared understanding of hybrid warfare to counter China’s malign influence.

Representing the Perry Center, Professor Jeffrey Zinsmeister and Research Associate Sydney Knapp participated in and led discussions focused on analyzing hybrid threats and developing countermeasures and deterrence strategies. Participants also engaged with senior experts from the Canadian military, interagency, and defense industry to deepen their understanding of the complex ecosystem the United States and its Allies leverage to address these challenges.

The event marked the third Emerging Leader Forum under the DKI-APCSS Young Civilian Defense Leaders Program, and the Perry Center was honored to collaborate on this important global initiative.