CHDS Academic Dean Luis Bitencourt speaks to a group of students from ANEPE

Between April 29 and June 18, CHDS and the Academia Nacional de Estudios Políticos y Estratégicos (National Academy of Political and Strategic Studies – ANEPE) held their first academic exchange in a program coordinated by both institutions. During the three-week period, students and professors from ANEPE shared readings, lectures, and ideas with CDHS’ professors. Initially using video conference technology, the two parties engaged in discussions over issues concerning the political control over the defense activities in a democracy. Later discussions were held on peace operations and their political consequences, as well as political decisions. From June 18th to June 21st, discussions were held in Fort McNair’s Lincoln Hall in Washington, DC, for four hours each morning. The results went beyond expectations due to the high level of the participation from ANEPE, with important conclusions reached in both fields (political control over defense activities and peace operations). Both institutions agreed to continue this type of exchange and hoped to plan a second one very soon.