From July 6 to July 10, 2026, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies Director COL John D. Suggs and Associate Director of Security Cooperation Patrick Mathes represented the Perry Center as official observers at the 17th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Cusco, Peru — one of the hemisphere’s premier forums for advancing defense cooperation and dialogue among senior security leaders. The conference convened defense ministers and senior defense officials from across the Americas to address the region’s most pressing security challenges, including transnational organized crime, regional security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, cybersecurity, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The event culminated in the signing of the Cusco Declaration and launched preparations for next CDMA, which will be hosted by the United States in 2028.

COL John Suggs (L)

COL Suggs addressed defense ministers and senior regional leaders, underscoring the Center’s vital role in strengthening civilian-led defense governance through education, outreach, and research. He highlighted the Perry Center’s enduring commitment to preparing civilian and military leaders to navigate an increasingly complex security environment, including challenges posed by cybersecurity threats, hybrid threats, and transnational organized crime.

During the conference, COL Suggs also engaged with nearly every minister of defense and senior defense representative in attendance, including leaders from Argentina, Ecuador, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. These high-level engagements reinforced the Perry Center’s position as a trusted hemispheric partner in defense education, institutional capacity building, and the promotion of democratic defense governance.

Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge A. Colby also delivered remarks outlining the Administration’s strategic priorities for the Western Hemisphere.

The discussions also expanded opportunities for collaboration throughout the Americas, including increased participation in Perry Center programming, future institutional exchanges, and continued cooperation on shared security challenges. The Perry Center’s prominent engagement at CDMA reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to fostering regional dialogue, strengthening defense institutions, and supporting cooperative approaches to the complex threats facing the hemisphere.