William J. Perry Center 

for Hemispheric Defense Studies

ANNUAL

REPORT 2017

www.WilliamJPerryCenter.org
20 Years Empowering Defense

and Security Professionals in the Americas

William J. Perry Center 

for Hemispheric Defense Studies

National Defense University

260 5th Avenue, Building 64

Fort McNair, DC 

20319-5066

Mr. Jeffrey Murphy

Acting Director

Dr. Scott Tollefson

Dean of Academic Affairs

Col Steven Angerthal, PhD, USA

Chief of Strategic Plans & Communications

Annual Report Editor

Ms. Liliana Besosa
1

Message from the Director 2

Perry Center Mission 4

FY 2017 Programs 5

Hemispheric Forums 11

Governance Programs 12

Resource to U.S. Officials 15

Women in Peace and Security 17

Virtual Learning 19

Recent Publications 20

Educational Outreach 21

The Perry Award 23

Internship Program 26

Fellowship Program 27

Perry Center Recognition 28

Faculty and Staff Listing 29

Contents
2

Message

From the Director

I

n 2017, the Perry Center celebrated 20 years of empowering security and defense professionals in the Americas. Over 12,000 students have passed through the Perry Center’s 

doors, and many of these graduates have gone on to lead the most prestigious defense and 

security institutions in their respective countries as ministers, senior policymakers, and military commanders. They have developed and implemented national-level security strategies, 

promoted policies to institutionalize respect for human rights, and authored academic research that informs public policy decisions. Moreover, Perry Center alumni comprise many of 

the women defense professionals who are shattering glass ceilings in defense establishments 

throughout the Americas. Our faculty and staff are proud of the achievements of our graduates and partner institutions, and look forward to continue this dynamic collaboration in the 

future. 

While the Center’s 20th anniversary celebration afforded a brief opportunity to look back on 

such accomplishments, the focus of the Perry Center team remained squarely on the current 

and future security concerns of the Americas. Foremost among these has been the promotion of effective, efficient, and transparent defense governance institutions that respond to 

democratically elected civilian leadership. In Guatemala and Trinidad & Tobago, continued support to country programs led by Defense Governance Management Team (DGMT) 

economized resources and promoted complementarity across the spectrum of security cooperation programs. In November, Perry Center faculty and Argentina’s National Defense 

Faculty collaborated for a three-day program in which senior leaders and policy experts, 

including Gen (Ret.) John Kelly, led 50 Argentine civil servants in examining future threats 

and developing effective policy responses. 

Defense sectors that are diverse and inclusive can better respond to democratic leadership 

and more effectively implement multi-dimensional security solutions. To this end, civilians 

constituted 74% of FY2017 graduates, with over 12% representing universities, think tanks, 

and other thought leaders in civil society. In FY2017, 27% of graduates were women, whose 

active participation was just one of the ways WJPC supported the National Action Plan on 

Women, Peace, and Security. 

Combating transnational and transregional threats, including the criminal organizations 

that threaten regional stability, remains a high priority for defense policymakers in the 

Americas. In addition to the annual course on Countering Transnational Organized Crime 

(CTOC) and Illicit Networks in the Americas, the Perry Center also hosted three regional 

and three bilateral seminars in which over 400 policymakers and practitioners examined 

proven avenues for interagency and international cooperation. Moreover, Perry Center 
3

faculty contributed to the literature in this emerging field by authoring chapters in “Beyond 

Convergence: World Without Order,” an anthology on the opaque relationships among insurgent, terrorist, and transnational criminal organizations. Admiral Kurt Tidd, Commander, U.S. Southern Command, joined WJPC and National Defense University presenters for 

an October conference on this new book. 

The promotion of human rights as a core U.S. value has been a fixture of our programs for 

20 years, and this year was no exception. The FY2017 iteration of Strategic Implications of 

Human Rights and Rule of Law was the largest in the Center’s history. This year, we also 

took our human rights program on the road as the Perry Center collaborated with the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights (IIDH) for a seminar on operationalizing human 

rights standards in complex security environments. Gathering 36 defense, security, and 

civil society professionals from nine countries in Central America and the Caribbean, WJPC 

and IIDH experts led participants in examining the use of armed forces for public security, 

how to conduct human rights risk analysis, and the human rights of planning security interventions. After years of progress in supporting U.S. Southern Command’s Human Right 

Initiative and assisting partner nations in authoring and implementing more effective human rights policies, I am proud that the Perry Center and IIDH could take the next step in 

working with practitioners to facilitate the application of sound human rights practices in 

real-world operations.

That union of theory and practice epitomizes how the Perry Center works every day with the 

Office of the Secretary of Defense, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. Northern Command, and a 

host of regional partners to apply scholarship in support of a safer, more secure hemisphere. 

Over the last two decades, the Perry Center alumni network has been instrumental in maintaining the Americas as a zone of peace. I hope you look forward with eager anticipation, 

as I do, to what this community of policymakers and practitioners can do over the next 20 

years. 

Jeffrey J. Murphy

Acting Director

William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies
4

Our Mission:

The Perry Center is a US Department of Defense institution for defense and security studies in the 

western hemisphere. Through courses, seminars, outreach, 

strategic dialogue, and focused research in support of policy 

objectives, the Perry Center works with senior civilian 

and military officials from the Americas to build strong, 

sustainable networks of security and defense leaders 

and institutions. In so doing, the Perry Center promotes 

greater understanding of US policy, mutually supportive 

approaches to security challenges, and improved, sustainable 

institutional capacity.

The Perry Center strives to be a leading security and defense studies institution for the Western Hemisphere, 

focused on the future, anticipating shifts in the evolving security environment, foreseeing the need for changes in security 

and defense forces, dedicated to research, building shared knowledge and fostering dialogue.

Our Vision:

Above: Paraguay’s Institute for High Strategic Studies (IAEE) visits the Perry Center

Above: Dr. Boris Saavedra presenting to the Cyber Security students 

during the Cyber Policy Course
5

PARTICIPANTS & 

GRADUATES

33 countries

represented

Antigua and Barbuda: 6

Argentina: 70

Bahamas: 5

Barbados: 24

Belize: 13

Brazil: 20

Canada: 1

Chile: 26

Colombia: 42

Costa Rica: 19

Dominica: 3

Dominican Republic: 16

Ecuador: 6

El Salvador: 20

Grenada: 2

Guatemala: 32

Guyana: 4

Haiti: 5

Honduras: 23

Jamaica: 17

Mexico: 27

Nicaragua: 10

Panama: 11

Paraguay: 10

Peru: 46

Saint Kitts and Nevis: 3

Saint Lucia: 1

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: 5 

Suriname: 5

Trinidad and Tobago: 19

United States: 48

Uruguay: 10

Venezuela: 3

552

FY

2017

PROGRAMS:

27% Female

73% Male

26% Civilian

74% Military
6

RESIDENT COURSES:

The Perry Center’s resident courses form the core of academic programs. Conducted in Spanish or English, all courses are specifically tailored to meet the evolving needs of sophisticated 

security and defense professionals across the Western Hemisphere. Resident phases are one 

or two weeks in length and are preceded by a multi-week distance learning phase.

REGIONAL SEMINARS:

In conjunction with regional partners, the Perry Center hosts regional seminars that are designed to meet the specific objectives identified by the Perry Center, the partner institution, 

and United States Embassy team. Regional seminars enhance sustainable institutional capacity and emphasizes support to national and regional policymakers and leaders.

FY

2017

PROGRAMS:

Above: Regional Transnational Threats Seminar (RTNT) participants alongside the Guatemalan 

Minister of Defense. 
7

FY

2017

PROGRAMS:

Bilateral Transnational Threats Seminar

February 21 - 24, 2017 – Tegucigalpa, Honduras

May 14 – 21, 2017 – Puebla, Mexico City, and Guadalajara, Mexico

As part of the Perry Center’s academic outreach program, these bilateral threat seminars 

tailor academic programming to the complex threats affecting the host nation and the 

region. Specifically, these seminars addressed cybersecurity issues and the nexus between 

terrorism and organized crime. 

Human Rights Seminar: Central America

March 01 - 02, 2017 – San Jose, Costa Rica

Similar to the HR/ROL resident course, the objective of this seminar was to operationalize 

human rights standards in complex security environments by examining the use of armed 

forces in public security functions, human risk analysis, human rights training, and the planning of complex security interventions in Central America. Participants engaged in a group 

exercise in which a complex security intervention had to be planned incorporating themes of 

budget, effectiveness, and human rights risk.understanding on common defense and security 

challenges.

Above: Professor Celina Realuyo with a particpant during the Bilaterial Transnational Threats Seminar in 

Mexico 
8

Regional Transnational Threats Seminar (RTNT): 

March 21 - 23, 2017 – Bridgetown, Barbados

June 20 – 22, 2017 – Antigua, Guatemala

September 26 – 28, 2017 – Lima, Peru

These in region seminars primary goal is to expand the discourse on combating transnational threats, including the link between international terrorism, transnational organized 

crime, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies. These seminars examine the threats posed 

through a series of expert lectures and interactive sessions with participants focusing on enhancing citizen security, combating antinational organized crime, promoting regional security cooperation, and strengthening judicial institutions.

Above: Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Mr. Sergio de la Peña speaks 

to participants at the RTNT in Peru
9

Above: Dr. Maria Teresa Belandria addressing students in her break out group during the CTOC 

in-residency couse

Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Networks in the 

Americas (CTOC)

April 24 – May 05, 2017 – Washington, D.C. 

This residents’ course principal objective was to address the security and defense threats 

posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and evaluate national, regional, and 

international policy responses. Specifically, the course conceptualized new approached 

to combating transnational criminal organization and illicit networks in the Americas by 

improving governance.

Strategic Implications of Human Rights and Rule of Law (HR/ROL)

June 13-24, 2016 – Washington, D.C. 

This course aims to examine the philosophical and theoretical foundations of human rights 

and the rule of law in modern societies. Its curriculum included an exercise that required 

students to plan a complex security intervention by analyzing 3 tools: effectiveness, cost, 

and human rights considerations. Students also visited the Inter-American Commission on 

Human Rights, an autonomous organ of the Organization of American States, as part of the 

course.
10

Caribbean Security and Defense Seminar (CDSC)

July 17 – 28, 2017 – Washington, D.C. 

The CDSC course was designed to 

assist participants in developing and 

expanding their competence in analyzing issues that impact the Caribbean region by working with policy, 

strategy, planning, and resource 

management in their security and 

defense institutions. The course covered transnational security threats 

such as organized crime, corruption, 

and cyber security; interagency and 

international cooperation; defense 

economics; and defense and security 

policy formulation and implementation. 

Cyber Policy Course

September 18 – 22, 2017 – Washington, D.C. 

The principal objective of this resident 

course was tailored in response to 

the defense policy goals of the Office 

of Secretary of Defense for Western 

Hemisphere Affairs and the objectives 

of the Combatant Commands. The 

Cyber Policy course explored the 

increasing challenges to cyber security 

at the national, international, and 

transnational levels in the Western 

Hemisphere. Participants welcomed 

the opportunity to share their country’s 

perspectives and professional expertise 

with other colleagues across the 

Western Hemisphere. 

Above: Dr. William Godnick, Mr. Walter Earle, Dr. Dianne 

Williams, and Major (Ret.) George Benson during the CDSC 

course 

Above: Dr. Martin Treviño, Dr. Boris Saavedra, Dr. Maria 

Luisa Parraguez Kobek, and Mr. Jairo Caceres during the 

Cyber Policy course 
11

FY

2017

HEMISPHERIC 

FORUMS:

The Hemispheric Forum is a unique Perry Center vehicle that takes advantage of Washington’s abundance of subject-matter experts and the community of interest in 

Western Hemisphere affairs. The format of each program is a panel discussion centered on a 

timely and important topic featuring expert panelists representing government, think tanks, 

and academia.

Beyond Convergence: World Without 

Order

October 18, 2016

A collaborative effort between National Defense 

University’s Institute for National Strategic 

Studies, Center for Complex Operations, and 

the Perry Center, this Hemispheric Forum analyzed new actors and emerging dynamics that 

have rapidly evolved within the global operating 

environment. Forum included two separate 

panels on “Challenges” and “Opportunities” 

presented by this new security environment. 

This Forum coincided with the book launch of 

“Beyond Convergence: World Without Order,” to which Perry Center Professor of Practice 

Celina Realuyo contributed. 

Command Update: Military and Police Operations During the Colombian 

Peace Process

April 26, 2017

As Colombia enters a post-conflict transitional period after the signing of the Colombia 

Peace Accords, this Hemispheric Forum offered a candid first-hand update on the military 

and police support on the peace process. Keynote speaker Major General Carlos Alfonso 

Rojas Tirado, Chief of Staff of the Colombian Strategic Transition Command (COET) and 

Commander of the Joint Monitoring and Verification Command of colombia, held primary 

responsibility for the military’s implementation of disarmament and demobilization of the 

Revolutionary Army Forces of Colombia (FARC). Major General Rojas discussed the history 

and the framework of the peace negotiation process being held in Havana, Cuba. 

Above: Keynote speaker, ADM Kurt W. Tidd, 

Commander, United States Southern Command
12

FY

2017

GOVERNANCE 

PROGRAMS

US law and DoD policy direct the Department to execute programming supporting partner nations’ abilities to better manage their security and defense sectors through the 

promotion of “principles vital to the establishment of defense institutions that are effective, 

accountable, transparent, and responsive to national political systems, especially regarding 

good governance, oversight of security forces, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.” 

These and other activities are key components of the Department’s approach to Defense Institution Building (DIB). The Perry Center directly contributes to these objectives through 

its Defense Governance Program, which provides tailored courses, executive-level seminars, 

regional and bilateral engagements, and other activities aimed at improving the capacity of 

senior leaders in the security and defense sectors or in other government bodies with oversight functions (e.g., Ministries of Finance and Legislatures) to understand their institutional 

challenges, as well as develop and apply solutions. In partnership with other DIB providers, 

including the Combatant Commands and the Defense Governance and Management Team, 

the Perry Center works to achieve an even greater impact. 

Above: Professor Alex Aleman addressing students during the Managing Security and Defense (MSD) course
13

Uncertain Futures and New Defense Policy Imperatives Seminar

November 14 - 18, 2016 – Buenos Aires, Argentina 

In collaboration with The Facultad de la Defensa Nacional (FADENA) in Buenos Aires, 

Argentina, the Perry Center hosted an exchange that brought together distinguished Argentine civil servants and officials from across the interagency. This seminar analyzed aspects 

of institutional reform requirements in an effort to produce effective and resilient defense 

institutions that operate in accordance with democratic doctrines and the rule of law. Subject matter experts, including Gen (Ret.) John Kelly, spoke on the management of defense 

organizations in transition. 

Defense Policy and Complex Threats (DPCT)

March 27 - April 07, 2017 – 

Washington, D.C. 

The DPCT course is designed to 

assist security and defense executives in analyzing and developing solutions to institutional 

requirements and challenges. 

As the Center’s primary defense 

governance course, it plays a 

central role in supporting both 

DIB and improved defense ministerial capacity overall. This 

second iteration of the DPCT 

focused on risk-forecasting tools to 

improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defense institutions in the Americas. Students examined various methodologies 

such as SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely), SWOT 

(Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats), the Delphi method, and CAPA (context assessment and policy analysis).

Managing Security and Defense Seminar (MSD)

May 22 – 26, 2017 – Washington, D.C. 

The Managing Security and Defense course seeks to strengthen and build the capacity of 

senior executives in the security and defense sectors, enabling them to improve governance 

through effective policies and integrated decision-making processes. Students work with 

their peers and leading scholars to examine strategic governance and high-level management topics that impact good governance, strategic planning, economic sustainability, 

accountability, and transparency.

Above: Two DPCT students, Mr. Rozemildo Vaz Souza and Ms. 

Lourdes Hernandez, presenting to course participants
14

National Security Planning Workshop (NSPW)

June 12 – 16, 2017 – Guatemala City, Guatemala 

In partnership with the Defense Governance and Management Team (DGMT), the Perry 

Center executed a nearly year-long NSPW in Guatemala. This support was provided to the 

Technical Secretariat of the National Security Council, an agency reporting directly to the 

President, who had directed the Secretariat to update the country’s National Security Policy. The Secretariat held several workshops bringing together key stakeholders in order to 

develop the content and establish the policy’s implementation and interagency coordination 

mechanisms. 

National Security Policy Presentation to the President of Guatemala

July 14, 2017 – Guatemala City, Guatemala 

Following a successful NSPW, the country’s revised and updated National Security Policy 

was formally presented to the nation by the President during a public ceremony at the Presidential Palace on July 14, 2017, Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Below: Ms. Silvia Marynelly De Leon Garzona presenting the country’s revised National Security Policy to 

guatemalan President, Jimmy Morales
15

FY

2017

RESOURCE TO 

U.S. OFFICIALS:

A fter the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and the Ministry of National Security of Trinidad and Tobago asked the Perry Center to organize a Hemispheric Forum and a 

series of “Dialogo” web videos in advance of the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the 

Americas (CDMA), OSD asked Perry Center Director Mark Wilkins to accompany Secretary 

of Defense Ash Carter and Admiral Kurt W. Tidd, Commander, USSOUTHCOM, to CDMA 

XII in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Along with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of 

Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Rebecca Bill Chavez, the Perry Center Director supported the U.S. delegation with regional expertise and offers of educational programming in 

response to partner nation requests.

While many Perry Center programs are designed for senior civilians in government ministries, hemispheric security depends on informed participation by a host of actors, including 

civil society leaders and legislators. In June 2017, the International Republican Institute 

(IRI) and National Democratic Institute (NDI) asked the Perry Center to support House Democracy Partnership Exchange Program. Lecturing on security cooperation in post-conflict 

societies, Director Mark Wilkins spoke to parliamentarians from Colombia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, 

and Tunisia who were participating in a bipartisan program on the legislative role in strengthening citizen security through democratic engagement and economic development. 

Each year, the Commander of USSOUTHCOM convenes three sub-regional meetings with 

chiefs of defense/security chiefs from South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, at 

which the region’s senior military officials collaborate on current transnational and transregional challenges. These defense leaders articulate a cooperative path forward, and the Perry 

Center facilitates implementation by convening subsequent Regional Transnational Threats 

Seminars. In FY2017, these short academic programs in Guatemala, Peru, and Barbados, 

convened the intermediate-level officials responsible for actualizing policy and implementing 

solutions. In each case, participants focused on interagency and international cooperation to 

counter transnational criminal organizations and illicit networks. 

At the request of Special Operations Command, South (SOCSOUTH), Perry Center faculty 

facilitated the senior leader program for Fuerzas Comando, an annual exercise that promotes 

military-to-military relationships and increases partner nation interoperability. At this year’s
16

exercise in Paraguay, Dr. David Spencer led academic discussions for distinguished international observers, thus helping SOCSOUTH to realize maximum value from this skills competition by relating exercise results to the practical policy decisions these leaders face.

The Perry Center is a unique educational resource in the Department of Defense, and faculty are eager to share their expertise broadly. Collaboration among the Regional Centers 

is frequent and continued in FY2017, including WJPC support to the Near East South Asia 

(NESA) Center’s resident courses, a Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies 

(APCSS) program for officers assigned to Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF-W), and 

the transnational security studies program at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies. The Perry Center also provided support to a host of other defense educational 

programs, including CAPSTONE, National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, the U.S. 

Air War College, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), the Western Hemisphere 

Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), and a Naval Postgraduate School course for 

foreign area officers new to the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility (AOR).

Above: Members of multinational special forces teams during the opening ceremony for Fuerzas Comando 

2017 in Mariano Roque Alonso, Paraguay
17

FY

2017

WOMEN, PEACE, 

AND SECURITY:

The Department of Defense has directed that the Department “must continue to be open and inclusive as we strive to bring in America’s best talent, including from our extraordinary community of women,” through the United States National Action Plan on Women, 

Peace, and Security. Perry Center academic programs are gender-inclusive, with a quarter of 

all fellows and of WJPC-selected self-nominees being woman defense professionals. In this 

respect, annual programs directly support objectives identified in the National action Plan, 

including female participation in defense decision-making. Women who participate in Perry 

Center seminars, courses, and academic exchanges cultivate a hemispheric security environment in which women’s representation is institutionalized and sex-and gender-based violence are reduced. Female Perry Center alumni have gone on to become high ranking defense 

officials, including National Security Advisors and Ministers of Defense. 

Above: Strategy and Defense Policy (SDP) partipant, Ms. Carolina Jarpa addressing participants questions 

during an SDP presentation
18

AThe U.S. has undergone an extensive and continuing process of including women into the armed forces since 1948. In an effort to continue addressing the varying approaches 

to gender inclusivity in the Western Hemisphere, the Perry Center has had all-female panels 

at each regional transnational threats seminar in Barbados, Guatemala, and Peru. FARC guerillas are women. The professor examined how a negotiated peace agreement could include 

specific post-conflict integration measures for women.

Above: Ms. Nataly Waterval, Ms. Valeen Calder, Ms. Kai Ann-Skeete, and Professor Celina Realuyo during the 

Caribbean Regional Transnational Threats Seminar (RTNT) in Bridgetown, Barbados

Above: Ms. Ana Tager Rosado during the during the Costa Rica Central American Human Rights Seminar
19

FY

2017

VIRTUAL 

LEARNING:

The Perry Center uses various virtual platforms to engage 

with civilian and military personnel around the world. Virtual platforms, such as video teleconferencing (VTC), blackboard, adobe 

connect, YouTube, and other technological platforms, are utilized in 

order to broadcast discussions and 

lectures on a variety of theoretical concepts, current events, and 

trends that are relevant to the analysis of security and defense sectors 

in Latin America.

4 COUNTRIES

VIDEO 

TELECONFERENCES

BROADCAST TO

17

Webinar and Dialogue topics included: 

• “Analyzing Conflicts and Threats,” Dr. William Godnick, Professor of Practice, Perry Center

• “Transnational Threats,” Dr. Boris Saavedra, Associate Professor, Perry Center

• “Failed States,” Dr. David Spencer, Associate Professor, Perry Center

Above: Dr. Boris Saavedra with students and staff during a VTC 

conferece
20

FY

2017

RECENT 

PUBLICATIONS:

Faculty, staff, alumni, and international colleagues work is published through a variety of print and digital outlets by the Perry Center. The Center’s publications include: Security 

and Defense Studies Review, Occasional Papers, and the Perry Paper Series, as well as special 

reports and books.

Selected Faculty Publications, 2016-2017

Brig Gen (Ret.) Dr. 

Boris Saavedra 

(Venezuela)

“Big Data: Too Big to 

Ignore for Latin America 

and the Caribbean”

“Kingpins and Corruption: Targeting Transnational Organized 

Crime in the Americas.” 

Co-authored with Celina 

Realuyo

Professor Celina 

Realuyo

“The Evolving Role of 

Security Forces to Counter 

Transnational Organized 

Crime in the Americas”

“Following the Money 

Train to Combat Terrorism, 

Crime, and Corruption in 

the Americas”

August 2017 Latin American Program

Mexico Institute

“Following the Money Trail”

to Combat Terrorism, Crime, and 

Corruption in the Americas

Celina B. Realuyo

August 2017

Over the past decade, there has been a greater appreciation of how 

“following the money trail” directly contributes to the fight against 

terrorism, crime, and corruption around the world. Money serves as 

the oxygen for any activity, licit or illicit; it is the critical enabler for 

any organization, from international crime syndicates like the Mexican 

cartels to terrorist groups like the FARC, ISIS, and Hezbollah. Financial 

intelligence has helped governments to better understand, detect, 

disrupt, and counter criminal and terrorist networks and expose political 

corruption. 

Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the United States and its Latin American 

partners have strengthened their ability to combat money laundering and terrorist financing 

and consciously incorporated the financial instrument of national power into their national 

security strategies. “Following the money trail,” counterterrorism, and Drug Kingpin sanctions 

and asset forfeiture have become particularly important to attack narco-insurgencies, dismantle 

transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and address political corruption scandals that have 

reached the highest levels of governments across Latin America.

This paper will focus on the threats from money laundering and terrorist financing, 

distinguishing the two, and explain government efforts to counter illicit financing. It will describe 

the ways illicit actors raise, move, store, and use money to pursue their dangerous agendas. 

Specific cases examining the FARC in Colombia, the 2015 fall of the Guatemalan government, 

and Brazil’s “Operation Car Wash” corruption scandal will illustrate how governments use 

financial intelligence to pursue terrorists, criminals, corrupt politicians, and their financiers 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock.com

Professor Patrick 

Paterson

“The Blurred Battlefield - La Desconcertante Confusion del 

Derecho Humanitario 

y de los Derechos Humanos y lo que significa para la Estrategia y 

Politica Militar”

The State of Cybersecurity in Mexico: 

An Overview 

By Luisa Parraguez Kobek

January 2017

 

 

Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the 

author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Wilson Center’s Mexico Institute. This paper was finalized by 

the author in January 2017. Special thanks to Francisco Garcia Gonzalez, Abil Razo, Mario Abrego, Georgina 

Campero, Alberto Ugarte, Daniela Peña, Diorella Islas, and Adrian Trulin. 

Dr. Luisa 

Parraguez Kobek

“The State of Cybersecurity in Mexico: An 

Overview”

“Think Tanks en Estados Unidos. El Diseño 

de la Política Exterior”
21

FY

2017

EDUCATIONAL 

OUTREACH:

As a part of our commitment to continuing 

education, the Perry Center’s Educational Outreach program supports a variety of formal and informal educational experiences for 

Perry Center alumni after graduation. These 

events include in-person and virtual seminars, 

communities of practice, workshops, and other collaborative activities designed to engage 

the alumni community, support professional 

development, build relationships, and foster 

collaboration. The Perry Center’s principal vehicles for these educational outreach programs are its alumni networks.

Alumni Networks:

The Perry Center’s Alumni Networks are led by dedicated graduates 

who assist with the organization of activities on behalf of their local 

alumni communities. These activities provide invaluable opportunities 

for contact and dialogue between alumni community members and 

other defense and security professionals in the region. 

The William J. Perry Center for

Hemispheric Defense Studies

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

20 Years Empowering Security and 

Defense Professionals in the Americas

español

WILLIAMJPERRYCENTER.ORG

Regional Outreach:

In 2017, the Perry Center collaborated with alumni and partner institutions around the region to conduct several high-level seminars and institutional visits to promote the exchange of information and enhance 

institutional connections. These seminars covered a variety of topics, 

including combating transnational organized crime, cybersecurity, human rights, and rule of law. 

Each seminar consisted of a series of subject matter expert lectures and interactive panel presentations that allowed participants and alumni to deepen their understanding of issues affecting the region 

and discuss strategies to address emerging and long-term challenges. In addition to these engagements, alumni networks in these countries organized and carried out separate community of practice 

and roundtable events on similar topics.

Regional Transnational Threats Seminar 

Peru - September 2017
22

FY

2017

HIGHLIGHTS:

Jenny Vento (HR/ROL 2013)

Peru

Vento was appointed director of the Peruvian 

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights’ Center 

for Justice and Human Rights Studies.

David Mora (DPRM 2003), Dr. Marcos Pablo Moloeznik Gruer (DPRM 

2000 and CDIM 2004), Arturo Villarreal-Palo (SDP 2009), Alejandro Gongora (SDP 2013, CTOC 2015, HR/ROL 

2016), and Raul Benitez (EDS 2000)

Mexico

Mora, Moloeznik, Villarreal-Palo, Gongora, and 

Benitez co-authored and published the book 

“Security and Justice in Jalisco. Scenarios and 

Proposals.”

Costa Rica Human Rights Community 

of Practice

On March 1, 2017 members of the Human Rights 

Community of Practice in Costa Rica and representatives of the National Coalition against Human Trafficking (CONATT) of Costa Rica held a 

roubdtable event on security policy and human 

trafficking. The even enabled a robust discussion 

and opportunities for collaborations between 

decision-makers, legislators, and academics.

Errington Shurland (DPRM 2004)

Barbados

Shurland is the new executive director of the Regional Security System (RSS). 
23

FY

2017

THE PERRY 

AWARD:

The William J. Perry Award for Excellence in Security and Defense Education is named after 

former United States Secretary of Defense, Dr. William J. Perry, who was responsible for 

the creation of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies. Recipients for 

this award are nominated and then evaluated based upon their substantial dedication to enhancing security and defense capabilities by building mutually beneficial relationships and 

increasing democratic security in the Americas. Nominees may be educators, practitioners, 

or institutions of defense and security sectors from throughout the hemisphere and outside 

the region.

Above: Keynote Perry Award speaker, H. E. David A. Granger, President of the Co-operative Republic of 

Guyana addressing the audience
24

The recipient of the Perry Legacy Award, COL (Ret.) John “Jay” Cope, was praised for his 

persistence and leadership. Mr. Cope was vital in developing and creating the center in 1997 

and has since then devoted his time to researching and analyzing security challenges in the 

hemisphere, Colombian security policy, Department of Defense’s engagement with Brazil and 

Chile, reforming the Inter-American Defense Board, and advancing defense cooperation in 

the Americas.

Dr. Marcos Pablo Moloeznik Gruer, a professor at the University of Guadalajara, received the 

2017 Perry Award in the individual category. Dr. Moloeznik Gruer’s significant and tangible 

work as a distinguished educator and scholar at colleges and universities across the world 

have been instrumental in improving Mexico’s public security and human rights policies. Dr. 

Moloeznik Gruer has not only proven to be invaluable in educating and supporting security 

and defense professionals, but he has also shown exemplary leadership within the Perry Center alumni community.

Above:

COL (Ret.) John “Jay” Cope receiving the Perry Legacy Award
25

From top to bottom:

Dr. Marcos Pablo Moloeznik Gruer receiving the 2017 Perry Award in the individual category.

Major General Jairo Aponte receiving the 2017 Perry Award on behalf of UMNG in the institutional category 

In the institutional category, the Perry Center awarded the 2017 Perry Award to Universidad 

Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG) of Bogota, Colombia. UMNG is dedicated to educating students with military, police, and civilian backgrounds on interagency and international cooperation. The Perry Award selection committee recognizes Universidad Militar Nueva Granada for their commitment to strengthen cooperative regional partnerships by educating its 

students and seeking integrated solutions to close the gap between public security and human 

rights.
26

FY

2017

INTERNSHIP 

PROGRAM:

The Perry Center’s internship program provides undergraduate and graduate students currently 

enrolled in university programs and recent graduates with invaluable experience as research assistants and communications/multimedia assistants on important defense and security issues. Perry 

Center interns work side-by-side with the Center’s subject matter experts and interact with distinguished senior officials from 35 Latin American and Caribbean countries. While providing support to 

the Center, interns also participate in a professional development program, attend outside lectures 

by dynamic speakers, and work on their writing and speaking language skills. Interns have regularly 

published their own work, co-authored papers with Perry Center faculty, and co-developed courses 

with Perry Center faculty. 

Left: Perry Center interns with United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Commander ADM Kurt W. Tidd before a Perry Center event

Right: Interns attend the Defense One Summitt and interact with various defense and security professionals

Interning at the Perry Center was an incredible experience that helped me grow 

professionally and academically. I had the opportunity to work with and learn from 

experts about key issues in Latin America and the Caribbean. I felt as though my work was 

truly valued and that I was able to make a positive contribution to the successful creation 

of the course. Overall, my time at the Perry Center was so fulfilling because the people 

who work there are not only talented and accomplished, but are also supportive and 

encouraging of the other interns and myself.”

 -Intern Kathleen Vaughan, Spring 2017
27

FY

2017

FELLOWSHIP 

PROGRAM:

The Perry Center’s fellowship program provides current doctoral and post-doctoral students with support and assistance on research. Perry Center Fellows work as independent investigators alongside the Center’s subject matter experts on their respective topics. In 

addition to conducting research, fellows also provide support to the Center and engage and 

interact with senior officials and dignitaries from across the Western Hemisphere. 

Above: Fellow Cauê Rodrigues Pimentel presenting his doctoral thesis titled “Defense & Security in the South 

Atlantic Region: A Comparison Perspective” to WJPC faculty and staff

“The Perry Center offers a unique environment for those interested in the security 

and defense issues of our hemisphere. It is one of the few places where research 

and practical knowledge are tied together, thus offering students and fellows new 

perspectives on the challenges regarding the region. Plus, the courses and lectures 

offered by the center are an exceptional opportunity to meet practitioners from all 

around the hemisphere, therefore providing excellent networking opportunities, and a 

chance to be up to date with the most pressing debates about security and defense in 

our region.” 

 -Fulbright Fellow Cauê Pimentel, 2017
28

FY

2017

PERRY CENTER 

RECOGNITION:

When Work Works Award

I

n FY2017, the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies was again recognized with the When Work Works Award. The prestigious When Work Works Award is 

part of the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM’s) When Work Works project, 

a national initiative that helps employers become more successful by transforming the way 

they view and adopt effective and flexible workplaces.

The Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies was evaluated on factors associated with 

employee health, well-being and engagement: opportunities for learning; a culture of trust; 

work-life fit; supervisor support for work success; autonomy; and satisfaction with earnings, 

benefits and opportunities for advancement. By receiving this distinction the Perry Center is 

ranked in the top 20% of the country’s employers for workplace flexibility and practices. The 

Perry Center is honored to be among the few federal organizations to receive this recognition 

for the second year in a row. 

“These employers have excelled at 

creating effective workplaces yielding 

tremendously positive results for 

business success, as well as for 

their employees’ well-being and 

productivity.”

-Ellen Galinsky, President of Families 

and Work Institute (FWI)
29

Acting Director Mr. Jeffrey Murphy

Dean, Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Tollefson

Chief , Strategic Plans and Communications COL Steven Angerthal, Ph.D., USA

Assistant Alumni Coordinator Ms. Molly Albin

Professor of Practice Mr. Alejandro Aleman

Visiting Fellow Ms. María Teresa Belandria

Academic Assistant Ms. Liliana Besosa

Associate Professor Dr. Alejandra Bolaños

Resource Manager Mr. Luis Castro

Assistant Registrar Ms. Georgina Crovetto

Operations Coordinator Ms. Linda Denning

Multimedia Specialist Ms. Viviana Edwards

Webmaster Mr. Nick Foreit

Professor of Practice Dr. William Godnick

Operations Coordinator Mr. Christopher Hannigan

Management Analyst Ms. Suzanne Heist

Strategic Program Manager Mr. Michael Mann

Protocol Officer Ms. Maria Fernanda Martinez

Executive Liaison to USSOUTHCOM Mr. Steve Meyer

Executive Assistant to the Director Ms. Maritza Monteverde

Chief, CTO/CIO Mr. Raul Neine

Adjunct Professor Dr. Carlos Ojeda Bennett

Adjunct Professor Dr. Roman Ortiz Marina

Educational Outreach Specialist Ms. Kara O’Ryan

Visiting Fellow Dr. Maria Luisa Parraguez Kobek

Professor of Practice Mr. Pat Paterson

Professor of Practice Ms. Celina Realuyo

Associate Professor Dr. Boris Saavedra

Professor of Practice Mr. Kevin Saderup

Associate Professor Dr. David Spencer

Program Specialist Ms. Alicia Torres-Ferrer

Facilities & Logistics Mr. Henry Tweddle

FY

2017

FACULTY & 

STAFF LISTING: