On November 7-8, 2011 the Peruvian CHDS alumni association held its 2nd Security and Defense Conference at the Westin Hotel in Lima. The conference was well attended by over 250 military and civilian participants, bringing together experts from throughout the security and defense field for a productive networking and professional development opportunity. Conference speakers were comprised of professionals from Peru, Mexico, Israel, United Kingdom, Colombia and the United States and provided an international perspective, representing both the private and government sectors.

CHDS professors Dr. Michael Gold-Biss and Dr. Evan Ellis were among the conference speakers and gave extensive presentations on transnational criminal organizations and the influence of China in Latin America, respectively. This year’s conference built on the themes and topics presented at the 1st Security and Defense conference which was hosted by the CHDS alumni association of Peru in August, 2010.