From April 30th to May 5th, the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies had the satisfaction of presenting a module on Defense and Security Policy to the participants in the National Strategic Planning and Execution Masters course of the Institute of Superior Strategic Studies of Paraguay. These modules that CHDS presents are inserted into academic programs in schools and institutions with which the Center maintains academic relations and constitutes an enriching experience for both parties. In his opening remarks, the Director of IAEE, Division General Luis Gerardo Noceda, highlighted the importance of cooperation in order to confront common threats to countries within the region, emphasizing the work that supports these efforts that the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies carries out through powerful instruments such as education. Professors Manuel Lora and Michael Gold-Biss led an intense program of presentations and group sessions in which they analyzed the global, regional, and national security environment, organized crime, defense economics, cooperation, and measures of control and supervision, among other things. In addition to the 69 students, a number of CHDS graduates were present, as well as members of the IAEE academic staff.

As part of the outreach activities carried out in the region’s countries by the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS), Professors Manuel Lora and Michael Gold-Biss presented a full program of activities in Paraguay between April 30th and May 5th, which were designed to strengthen the collaborative academic relationships between diverse institutions dedicated to the subjects of security and defense. On this trip the professors made presentations to the National University, American University, Metropolitan University, the Superior Institution of Police Education of the National Police of Paraguay, the official participants of the courses of Command and Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Air Force and the Paraguayan Army, as well as participants from the Strategic Leadership course in the IAEE. They covered diverse subjects related to the global, regional and national security situation, emphasizing that the threat environment requires cooperation between countries in order to confront them, recognizing that no state is in the condition to do so alone.

At the tenth anniversary commemoration of the foundation of the Alumni Association of Paraguay, led by Mr. Roberto Escobar, held a special session on the first of May. Mr. Roberto Escobar and other members of the Association gave a summary of the activities undertaken through the years to bring the topics of defense and security to various organizations, entities and the citizenry, and to support the work of making everyone aware of the importance of these topics. Professor Manuel Lora, representing the Director of the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies (CHDS), presented the association with a certificate of recognition for the important work carried out during this decade, promising to continue supporting the association, which will soon hold elections for its leadership positions.