On July 2, 2025, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies had the honor of hosting Argentina’s Minister of Defense Luis Alfonso Petri, accompanied by Secretary of International Affairs Juan Battaleme and other senior officials. Following the Minister’s morning meeting with Secretary of Defense Hegseth, the delegation was greeted at Fort McNair by Perry Center Dean of Academic Affairs William Godnick, Ambassador Andrew Young (Director, International Student Management Office), Brigadier General Kristen Aguilar (Commandant, Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy), and Major General Richard Heitkamp (Director, Inter-American Defense College).

Dr. Godnick delivered introductory remarks highlighting the historic ties between the Perry Center and Argentina, highlighting the Center’s long list of esteemed alumni including Secretary Battaleme, followed by organizational briefings from the Perry Center and the IADC. The delegation then engaged in a series of thematic conversations with members of the Perry Center faculty. Dr. David Spencer led a discussion on combating transnational organized crime and hybrid threats, and Dr. Arturo Sotomayor facilitated a dialogue on inter-American space policy and strategy.

The visit builds on a strong foundation of cooperation. Earlier this year, from March 5 – 13, the Perry Center and Argentina’s National Defense University (UNDEF) co-led the Defense Governance Amid Complex Threats (GDAC) course in Buenos Aires. This two-week hybrid program focused on strategic planning, leadership, and institutional resilience in the face of transnational criminal groups, traffickers, hackers, and the malign influence of China, Russia, and Iran.

Minister Petri’s visit reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Argentina and the United States in advancing defense education and regional collaboration.