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ANNUAL REPORT FY 2018

William J. Perry Center 

for Hemispheric Defense Studies

National Defense University 

260 5th Avenue, Building 64 

Fort McNair, DC 20319-5066

Director

Lieutenant General (Ret) Frederick S. Rudesheim

Chief of Staff

Mr. Jeffrey Murphy

Dean of Academic Affairs

Dr. Scott Tollefson

Chief of Strategic Plans & Communications

COL Steven Angerthal, PhD, USA

Annual Report Editor

Ms. Liliana Besosa

Layout Design

Ms. Viviana Edwards
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Message from the Director 5

FY 2018 Programs 7

Hemispheric Forums 12

Governance Programs 15

Perry Center Vision / Resource to US Officials 18

The Perry Award Program 20

Virtual Learning 22

Recent Publications 23

Educational Outreach 25

Alumni Highlights 27

Internship Program 28

Fellowship Program 29

Faculty and Staff Listing 30

Contents
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MESSAGE FROM 

THE DIRECTOR

MISSION STATEMENT

The William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies develops and engages the 

Western Hemisphere’s community of defense and security professionals to seek mutually 

supportive approaches to common challenges in order to develop effective sustainable 

institutional capacity, and promote a greater understanding of US regional policy.

All of us at the Perry Center are driven by the carefully chosen words of our mission 

statement. This annual report marks 21 years since our establishment under our namesake, the Secretary of Defense William Perry. Secretary Perry charged us to become “an 

educational institution to strengthen civilian and defense establishments in the revitalized 

democracies of the Americas.” In the years since, we have stayed true to his charge.

To be sure, this has been a “team of teams” effort to grow and maintain US policy relevance 

in the Western Hemisphere. We work closely for and with our many stakeholders.

 
The following pages describe the course programs, seminars, and regional dialogues that 

comprise the core elements of the Center’s deliverables.

Most importantly, our talented faculty consistently help grow the thought leaders for this 

region’s security and defense institutions. Bringing these professionals together begins 

the all-important bonding effort to provide and maintain a network for the free flowing exchange of ideas and, crucially, to build trust.

Trust is the currency of effective communication and speed of action. The Perry 

Center is a trusted institution that can, in turn, broker trust among its growing alumni and 

participant population (7,918). Our programs and follow-on outreach efforts for our alumni help to maintain a vibrant and engaged network of practitioners that can exchange ideas, 

concepts, and criticisms with the openness that is built on the relationships formed in an 

academic setting. It is with these trust-building relationship that we can perform the essential task of assisting the US to build and strengthen partnerships with the countries of the 

region.

With few exceptions, the nations of the Western Hemisphere are unified in purpose to improve citizen security and eliminate the threats of illicit networks, gangs, and rampant corruption. The Perry Center is a relentless advocate for building and maintaining these partnerships, using our alumni network and accumulated “trust capital,” to support and advance 

bilateral and sub-regional relationships.

With all that we have accomplished in 2018, the Perry Center must continue to be a place 

that gathers women and men of good will and abiding optimism to overcome the daunting 

Security and Defense challenges of this hemisphere in the coming years.

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FREDERICK S. RUDESHEIM

LTG(Ret), USA

Director
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65% Civ

35% Mil

28% Women

72% Men

32 Countries Represented

562 Participants & Graduates

29 Argentina

2 Barbados

4 Belize

2 Bolivia

27 Brazil

3 Canada

17 Chile

72 Colombia

7 Costa Rica

1 Dominica

36 Dominican 

Republic

13 Ecuador

34 El Salvador

2 Grenada

30 Guatemala

6 Guyana

1 Haiti

17 Honduras

4 Jamaica

56 Mexico

60 Panama

21 Paraguay

49 Peru

1 Saint Kitts 

and Nevi

2 St Lucia

1 Spain

4 St Vincent and 

the Grenadines

2 Suriname

35 Trinidad and 

Tobago

18 United States

2 Uruguay

4 Venezuela

PROGRAMS
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Resident Courses:

The core of academic programs are formed by the Perry Center’s resident courses. 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 of one or two weeks in length are preceded by a multi-week distance learning phase.

Regional Seminars:

In conjunction with regional partners, regional seminars are designed to meet the specific 

objectives identified by the Perry Center, partner institutions, and the US Embassy team. 

Regional seminars enhance sustainable institutional capacity and emphasize support to national and regional policymakers and leaders. 

PROGRAMS

Strategy and Defense Policy (SDP)

October 09 – 20, 2017

Washington, D.C.

The principal objective of this resident course is to develop the participants’ theoretical foundations and 

analytical tools of strategy and policy formulations as well as policy implementation. Participants analyzed the roles of different actors in the security and defense sectors and the convergence of criminal and 

political threats. 

Above: Adjunct Professor Dr. Carlos Ojeda presenting to SDP participants.
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As part of the Perry Center’s academic outreach program, bilateral threat seminars are tailored to address 

the complex threats on cybersecurity and the nexus between terrorism and organized crime. By responding 

to the priorities identified by the host nation and the region, these seminars help expand implementation 

plans to combat these threats.

PROGRAMS

Bilateral Transnational Threats Seminar

Above: Colonel Luis Lopez Pulgarin alongside 

LTG (Ret) Rudesheim during the Bilateral 

Transnational Threats Seminar in Colombia.

October 23 – 25, 2017 

Bogota, Colombia

November 13 – 17, 2017

Mexico City, Mexico

November 26 – 30, 2017

Buenos Aires, Argentina

March 12 – 16, 2018

Bogota, Colombia

April 06 – 13, 2018

Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puebla, Mexico

Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas XIII Workshop 

(CDMA XIII Workshop)

March 21 – 22, 2018

Washington, D.C.

Above: Participants at the CDMA Workshop

The Perry Center welcomed delegations from 

17 countries and the United States for two days 

of discussions on the evolving role of the Armed 

Forces. Hosting the Ad Hoc Working Group on 

the Evolving Role of the Armed Forces gave the 

US the opportunity to help shape the agenda for 

the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the 

Americas, the foremost meeting of the defense 

sector in the hemisphere. As a result of the Working 

Group, the theme of the evolving role of the 

Armed Forces was included in the XIII CDMA.
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Combating Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Networks in the 

Americas (CTOC)

May 14 – 25, 2018 

Washington, D.C.

The principal objective of this course was to 

address the threats posed by transnational criminal 

organizations (TCOs) and their illicit activities 

including drug trafficking, money laundering, arms 

trafficking, human smuggling, counterfeiting, and 

cybercrimes. Specifically, the course evaluated 

current national, regional, and international 

strategies and policies to combat transnational 

criminal organizations and illicit networks. Above: CTOC Participants and instructors gather 

for a group photo outside Marshall Hall.

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

May 14 – 25, 2018

Washington, D.C.

This course is designed to deepen the participants’ 

understanding of complex topics of human rights, 

improve human rights policy writing, and facilitate 

and accelerate the acceptance of human rights 

norms within the security and defense sectors 

of democratic systems. HR/ROL also examines 

the issues of military force, the development of 

international criminal courts, truth commissions, 

and other instruments of transitional justice. Above: Perry Center Professor, Dr. Bill Godnick, 

addressing students in his break-out group during 

the HR/ROL residency course.

PROGRAMS
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Regional Transnational Threats Seminar

June 05 – 07, 2018

Panama City, Panama

Similar to the CTOC resident course, this regional seminar convened 

defense and security professionals from Belize, Canada, Colombia, 

Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, 

Mexico, Panama, and the United States to discuss transnational threat 

networks in Central America. Seminar participants examined threats 

posed by international terrorism, transnational organized crime, 

cybersecurity, emerging technologies, natural disasters, and inclusive 

security in the Americas.

PROGRAMS

Above: Honduran Vice Minister 

of Security, Alejandra Hernandez, 

presenting to seminar participants 

in Panama.

Humanitarian Response and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Workshop

July 10 – 11, 2018

Bridgetown, Barbados

In response to the devastating 2017 hurricane season in the Caribbean, 

the William J. Perry Center, in coordination with the Office of Foreign 

Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency 

Management Agency (CDEMA), hosted a Humanitarian Response 

and Disaster Relief (HA/DR) Seminar in Barbados. Representatives 

met to review and identify USG/PN efficiencies, capacity, and gaps. 

The seminar will strengthen regional coordination for mitigation, 

management, and responses to natural disasters.

Left: Ms. Gayle Francis-Vaughn, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of 

Home Affairs,vBarbados, speaking to the audience during the HA/

DR Workshop.

Cyber Policy Course

July 16 – 27, 2018

Washington, D.C.

The Cyber course is designed to improve governance in the security 

and defense sectors through the strengthening of institutions and 

combating transnational threats. The course deepens the understanding 

of the participants by teaching from two perspectives: national state 

power and competitiveness.

Left: NDU Professor Harry Wingo engaging with Cyber 

participants.
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The Hemispheric Forum is a unique Perry Center vehicle that takes advantage of the 

abundance of subject matter experts and the community of interest in the Western 

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

timely and important topic relevant to current events, with expert panelists representing 

government, think tanks, and academia.

Special Jurisdiction for Peace: The Colombian Transnational Justice 

Program 

16 November 2017– Washington, D.C.

As Colombia continues to transition into a post-conflict period, the Colombian Transnational Justice Program, also known as the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) is one of the most controversial aspects of 

the Peace Process. This Hemispheric Forum offered insight into the implications of the peace process on 

the future of Colombia. Keynote speaker, Major General Juan Guillermo García, current Chief of Military 

Mission and Delegate of Colombia to the Inter-American Defense Board, presented on the peace process 

agreement and explained the process of the JEP program. Panelists included: Mr. Adam Isacson, Senior 

Associate for Defense Oversight, Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); Mr. Stephen Johnson, 

Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, International Republican Institute (IRI); and the 

Perry Center’s own Dr. Alejandra Bolaños, Associate Professor.

Above: Panelists discussing the Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP) during the Hemispheric Forum.

HEMISPHERIC FORUMS
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National and International Efforts to Address 

the Opioids Crisis and Transnational Organized 

Crime 

May 2018 – Washington, D.C.

Held in partnership with The White House Office of National Drug 

Control, this forum addressed the national and international efforts to 

address the opioid crisis and the role of transnational organized crime. 

Throughout the forum, panelists addressed policy and proposed strategic initiatives to reduce transnational organized crime (TOC) from a 

national security threat to a manageable public safety problem in the 

United States and in strategic regions around the world.

The event featured a keynote address from USNORTHCOMM Deputy Commander, LTG Reynold N. 

Hoover, and four distinct Academic Panel Discussions, focusing on the themes of Security Cooperation 

against Illicit Opioid Trafficking, Disrupting the Production and Movement of Illicit Opioids, and Developing and Intelligence Picture of Illicit Networks. Panelists included: Senator Shelley Moore Capito 

(R-WV), Chair of the Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government; Congresswoman 

Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH, 2nd District), Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Heroin Task Force; Mr. Gerardo 

Rodríguez Sánchez Lara, Academic Coordinator, Center for Studies on Impunity and Justice, University 

of the Americas in Puebla; Mr. John Lombardi, National Intelligence Manager for Transnational Crime, 

Homeland, and Western Hemisphere, Office of the Director of National Intelligence; Ms. Celina B. Realuyo, Professor of Practice, William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies; Mr. Carlos Rodriguez Ulloa, Regional Integration, Security, and Defense Specialist, Colectivo de Análisis de la Seguridad 

con Democracia (CASEDE); Mr. Joseph McMenamin, Principal Director for Counternarcotics and Global 

Threats, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy; Mr. Paul E. Knierim, Deputy Chief of Operations, Office of Global Enforcement, Drug Enforcement Administration; Mr. Sergio De La Peña, Deputy 

Assistant Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, United States Department of Defense; Dr. 

Athanasios Hristoulas, Professor of National and International Security, National Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico; and Mr. Raul Benitez Manaut, Researcher, National Autonomous University of 

Mexico

Above: Senator Shelley Moore (WV)

HEMISPHERIC FORUMS
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This Hemispheric Forum focused on the threats of the first gang considered dangerous enough to be 

classified as a transnational criminal organization, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). MS-13’s evolution from a 

localized violent gang to a brutal transnational structure is driving massive immigration flows to the United States while shredding the social fabric, democratic institutions, and rule of law in Central America’s 

Northern Triangle. The growing territorial control, ties to drug trafficking and multiple criminal activities, 

increasing military sophistication and growing political ambitions have transformed the MS-13 into a 

de-facto state in much of the region despite millions of dollars spent on multiple failed strategies to combat 

the group. The impact of the gang’s growing strength has significant harmful spillover effects across the 

region, through Mexico and in the United States. This event featured panelists: Mr. Thomas Alexander, 

Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Counternarcotics and Global Threats, Department of Defense; 

Ms. Ana Arana, Knight International Journalism Fellow for Mexico, Colombia, and Panama, International 

Center for Journalists; Mr. Douglas Farah, Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic Research, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University; and Mr. Steven Dudley, Co-Director, InSight Crime. 

Central American Maras: Tier 1 Threat? 

26 July 2018 – Washington, D.C.

Above: Panelists Ms. Ana Arana, Mr. Douglas Farah, and Mr. Steven Dudley discussing the threats of MS-13.

HEMISPHERIC FORUMS
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At the request of the Minister of Defense and as prioritized by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 

for Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Perry Center’s Governance Program delivered a Regional Governance Seminar to 30 senior leaders of the Honduran Defense Establishment. The Seminar was held in 

partnership with the National Defense College (Colegio de Defensa Nacional) of the Honduran Defense 

University, with the objective of creating a collaborative space for dialogue on several of the Honduran 

defense institution’s most pressing concerns. Presided over by the Minister and the Chief of Defense, 

the Seminar examined key principles germane to producing better organizational outcomes and explored 

their application in the Honduran context. This enabled participants to immediately begin identifying and 

applying solutions to improve the overall strategic management of the Honduran defense enterprise as a 

first step toward building greater institutional capacity through improved governance. Among the Honduran presenters during the Seminar were the Minister himself; the Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, 

and Policies; the Director of Planning, Programming, and Budgeting; and the Commander of the National 

Interagency Security Force (FUSINA), a special task force directed by the President to combat violence 

in the country. 

Regional Governance Seminar

June 13 – 15, 2018 – Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

The Governance Team developed a framework and an implementation approach in 

order to collect, produce, and disseminate evidence-based and practitioner-oriented 

information and knowledge in the areas of Defense and Security Governance for the Western 

Hemisphere. Having completed the design stage during the third quarter of 2018, the Center 

has officially begun working with partner nations that may contribute to this effort and will 

disseminate information on the results/output during the last quarter of 2019. 

Above: WJPC Staff and Staff along-side seminar participants of Honduran Defense University.

GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS
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The Defense Policy and Complex Threats course was completely redesigned for 2018 to provide greater 

focus on the concept of governance and its applicability to the defense institution. The course brought together 40 participants from across the hemisphere who were introduced to standard terminological taxonomies, tools, and methodologies, allowing them to return to their home countries empowered to apply the 

knowledge gained, within their specific authorities and portfolios, and begin doing their part to improve the 

functioning of their respective organizations. To that end the course addressed several topics, for example 

the roles which policies and strategies play in establishing institutions and their priorities, as well as in 

guiding their activities. Other topics included the relevance of key institutional processes such as capabilities development and resource management, and how their integration establishes management systems 

which senior leaders employ to make structural and strategic decisions about defense. Participants were 

privileged to hear from senior leaders from the private sector, the US defense establishment, and renowned 

think tanks, including the Special Advisor to the Vice President of the United States, the Deputy Assistant 

Secretary of Defense for Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Corporate Director for International Programs 

at Northrop Grumman Corporation, and the Vice President of the Council of the Americas. This revised 

DPCT course is one of the Perry Center’s primary contributions to the Institutional Capacity Building/

Defense Institution Building enterprise and implements the US Congress’s intent for the regional center.

Defense Policy and Complex Threats (DPCT)

July 16 – 17, 2018 – Washington, D.C.

Above: Mr. Caleb McCarry, Mr. Adam Barker, Col “Otter” Bew, and Professor Alejandro Alemán during the 

DPCT legislative panel.

GOVERNANCE PROGRAMS
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The Perry Center is part of the US Department of Defense, specifically supporting the policy objectives 

of the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Western Hemisphere Affairs and the US Southern and Northern Combatant Commands.

The Perry Center’s Program Plan is founded on OSD-WHA and USSOUTHCOM & USNORTHCOM Priorities: Facilitate Dialogue and Encourage Defense Cooperation with the United States; Support Defense 

Institution Building; Support Partners Exporting Security; Promote Human Rights and Rule of Law; 

Support DoD Efforts to Combat Transnational Threats; and Conduct Strategic Outreach. Moreover WJPC 

actively endorses Geographic Combatant Command Lines of Effort: Building Relationships – Building 

Partner Capacity; Countering Threats; Enabling Rapid Response; and, promoting Advocacy with USG and 

Partner Nations. 

OUR VISION

WJPC is a trusted agent able to convoke one of the leading networks of security and defense 

sector practitioners in the Western Hemisphere in order to facilitate discussion and broker collaborative 

solutions to security and defense challenges. WJPC is a proponent of capacity building to strengthen administration of defense and security institutions in the Western Hemisphere.

Above: Participants at the US-Brazil Strategic Level talks

RESOURCE TO US OFFICIALS
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In support of key stakeholder priorities, in addition to the in residence courses conducted in Washington, 

DC, the Perry Center provides a wide variety of programs and activities to support not only the Department 

of Defense but the White House, Congress and other members of the Interagency Community as well. 

Given our direct relationship with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, we were pleased to be able to 

support a number of events and visits including support to the U.S. Delegation participating in the biannual Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas as well as hosting several ministerial level bilateral 

working groups and other senior level engagements. 

In addition to supporting the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Perry Center continued its notable 

history of support for, and responsiveness to the US Southern and US Northern Command, and their respective Theater Campaign Plans and emergent requests. WJPC proved particularly responsive in terms 

of planned activities in Mexico, Central America, and elsewhere, in support of both Defense Institution 

Building (DIB) and countering transnational/transregional threat networks. Particularly noteworthy was 

the Perry Center’s unique and intrinsic contributions to Colombia’s defense sector transformation. The 

Perry Center lead a half-day executive level subject matter exchange roundtable with the new Colombian 

RESOURCE TO US OFFICIALS

Above: Dr. Scott Tollefson, COL Steven Angerthal, Representative John Delaney (D-MD), Mr. Jeffrey Murphy
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RESOURCE TO US OFFICIALS

Minister of Defense and his deputies in late September 2018. The roundtable included civilian and former military experts discussing management of defense and security institutions, the relationship with the 

United States, regional themes, and partnering challenges. Five broad thematic areas, included: managing 

relations with administration, congress and public; leading and managing the ministry’s resources and 

Military Services; leading and integrating defense transformation and modernization; managing current 

operations; and international relations with the US and regional partners. 

Perry Center, in coordination with US Embassy in Bogota, Colombia and Colombian Ministry POCs, 

will seek to conduct follow-on events to expand upon civil-military relations, enhance stability efforts in 

support of unfolding peace process, strategy development, and roles & missions within the ministry and 

the public force. In accordance with DoD objectives, US security cooperation will continue to focus on 

strengthening defense and security institutions. For WJPC, we will place an emphasis on civilian leadership, and other enablers in the legislative and legal realm. 

As one of the Defense Department’s leading academic centers focused on the Western Hemisphere, Perry 

Center faculty are often sought out to share their expertise to enrich the curriculum at other institutions, 

and we request others to support the work of the Perry Center as well. This collaboration among DoD 

educational institutions is frequent and in FY 18, collaboration partners included the Near East South 

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

(APCSS), 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 National Defense University’s CAPSTONE Program, National War College, and the Eisenhower School. Others include the U.S. Air War College, the Inter-American Air Forces Academy (IAAFA), 

and the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC). 

At the request of American embassies abroad, the Perry Center was pleased to host over 40 visits by foreign leaders or academic institutions in FY18. We welcome the opportunity to provide information about 

American policy, the work of the Center as well as to share the wealth of expertise of the faculty and staff. 

In turn, these visits helps the Perry Center meet guidance from OSD for the Regional Centers to “promote 

a greater understanding of US regional policy” and to “maintain contact with partner nation security officials through the course of their careers.” 
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THE PERRY AWARD PROGRAMS

Named in honor of Perry Center founder, former US Secretary of Defense Dr. William J. Perry, the Perry Award has been presented since 2007 to individuals and institutions that have made significant 

contributions in the fields of security and defense education. Awardees are nominated and then selected 

based on their achievements in promoting education, research, and knowledge-sharing in defense and security issues in the Western Hemisphere. 

Recipients’ contributions to their respective fields enhance security and defense capabilities in the Americas through mutually beneficial relationship, and, in so doing, embody the ideas and values espoused 

by the William J. Perry Center. Nominees may be educators, practitioners, or institutions of defense and 

security from throughout the hemisphere or outside the region.

General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, the Secretary of National Defense of Mexico received the 2018 

Perry Award in the individual category for his leadership and dedication that have greatly contributed to 

regional cooperation and overcoming transnational challenges in the Western Hemisphere.

Above: 2018 Perry Award recepients, Individual award: General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, Secretary 

of National Defense of Mexico and Institutional Category: Superior War College (ESG) of Brazil. Award 

accepted by General Décio Luís Schons.
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THE PERRY AWARD PROGRAMS

General Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda has a military history that spans 

across tactical and strategic levels. Additionally, General Cienfuegos 

has managed high-level administrative duties, formerly working as 

Deputy Director General of the Federal Firearms and Explosives Control Registry and Inspector and General Comptroller of the Mexican 

Army and Air Force. Notably in the area of military education, General Cienfuegos was the founder and first director of the Centro de 

Estudios del Ejército y Fuerza Aérea Mexicanos (Center for Mexican 

Army and Air Force Studies), an organization responsible for the technical and professional specialization of Mexican Army and Air Force 

officers in administration, logistics, and intelligence. He also directed the Heroico Colegio Militar, the paramount educational institution 

for the Mexican Army, which professionally trains new generations 

of commanders and leaders. General Cienfuegos has also served on 

presitgious military education faculties, in particular, at the Heroico 

Colegio Militar and the Escuela Superior de Guerra, and has participated as a presenter in numerous forums, providing his expertise on 

national, hemispheric and international security matters. 

The Superior War College (ESG) of Brazil is an Institute of Higher 

Studies in Politics, Strategy and Defense. The curriculum of “Escola 

Superior de Guerra (ESG)” focuses on the Curso de Altos Estudos de 

Política e Estratégia, a study of development, strategy, and internal 

and international policies. Since its foundation, the ESG has graduated more than eight thousand interns; with graduates going on to serve in all sectors, spanning from Presidents of the Republic to professors to engineers. The ESG method is a conceptual, logical, coherent and 

integrated system that has evolved to encompass relevant international security topics for almost seventy 

years. Recently, the ESG contracted fifteen new professors in targeted areas of study related to security 

and defense. The newly hired professors reinforce other academic activities and teach at the postgraduate 

level and contribute to the implementation of a “Think Tank” specialized in Defense, which studies and 

contributes to public policies of the Ministry of Defense. All contribute to defense and security in Brazilian, and international, society.
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 VIRTUAL LEARNING

The Perry Center uses various technological platforms to engage with civilian and military personnel around the world. Virtual platforms, such as video teleconferencing (VTC), blackboard, adobe 

connect, YouTube, and more 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.

Above: Video teleconference (VTC) with the Delegation of Jamaica, October 2018
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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 Center Paper Series, as well as special reports and books.

Assistant Research Fellow, Fabiana Perera, PhD

“Bitcoin, move over. There’s a new cryptocurrency in town: the Petro.” Washington Post

“What’s in a name? Developing Countries and Security Cooperation.” Duck of Minerva

“US Foreign Policy Options for Maduro’s Venezuela: Benign Engagement, not Benign 

Neglect.” War on the Rocks

Professor Alejandro Alemán

Transforming Defense in Guatemala, in Kerr, A. & Miklaucic, M. (Eds) Effective, 

Legitimate, Secure: Insights for Defense Institution Building

Professor Bill Godnick, PhD

Strategic Vision Initiative: Visualizing Security and Defense in the Western Hemisphere 

to 2030

“Los Zetas Inc: Criminal Corporations, Energy, and Civil War in Mexico” (Book Review), Stability: International Journal of Security & Development

PUBLICATIONS
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Professor Pat Paterson

Origines de la Política Exterior de EEUU 

Calentamiento Global y Cambio Climático en Sudamérica, Revista Política y Estrategia

US Tactical Challenges in Iraq and Afghanistan, Cuaderno de Difusión: Pensamiento de 

Estado Mayor 41

Professor Celina Realuyo

Siguiendo El Rastro del Dinero para Combatir El Terrorismo, El Crimen Y La 

Corrupción en las Américas. In edited collection, El Crimen Organizado en América 

Latina: Manifestaciones, Facilitadores y Reacciones

The Evolving Role of the Security Forces to Counter Transnational Organized Crime in 

the Americas

Professor Boris Saavedra, PhD

“El Análisis Político Estratégico de la Ciber Seguridad.” 

Revista de las Fuerzas Armadas De Colombia

PUBLICATIONS
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As a part of our commitment to continuing education, the Perry Center’s Educational 

Outreach program supports a variety of formal and informal education 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. 

Above: Alumni Event in Bogota, Colombia – March 2018

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
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Regional Outreach:

I

n 2018, 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.

2018 Alumni Spotlights

21 Years Empowering Security and 

Defense Professionals in the Americas

español

WILLIAMJPERRYCENTER.ORG

August 2018

Above: Alumni Event in Mexico

From April 9 to 13, the Perry Center participated in several events around Mexico City and 

Guadalajara, discussing emerging security threats, organized crime, and cybersecurity in the Americas.

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
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Garay, Sampó, Troncoso, 

Bartolomé, Moloeznik, 

Witker and Perry Center 

Professor Celina Realuyo 

co-authored the book 

“Organized Crime in Latin 

America: Manifestations, 

Facilitators and Reactions.”

Cristian Garay, 

Chile (DPRM 2003, ICCT 

2006)

Carolina Sampó, 

Argentina (SDP 2006, SSTR 2008, CTOC 2012)

Valeska Troncoso, 

Chile (ICCT 2010, CTOC 2012) 

Mariano Bartolomé, 

Argentina (DPRM 2000, TCI 2007, CTOC 2013, 

DPCT 2017) 

Marcos Pablo Moloeznik, 

Argentina (DPRM 2000, CDIM 2004) 

Ivan Witker, 

Chile (SDP 2006)

Sandra Quiñonez

Paraguay (TCI 2014)

In March 2018, Sandra 

Quiñonez was appointed 

Attorney General of 

Paraguay. Quiñonez is the 

first woman to occupy the 

position since its creating 

in 1870. In addition to 

her recent appointment, 

Quiñonez was also 

awarded the Paraguayan 

Army Medal.

Oswaldo Jarrín 

Ecuador (CDIM 2004)

On April 27, 2018, former 

Perry Center Professor 

and graduate, Oswaldo 

Jarrín was named Minister 

of Defense of Ecuador.

Hayden Pritchard, 

Trinidad and Tobago 

(CDSC 2010, GGSA 2011)

Chief of Defense Staff Hayden Pritchard was promoted 

to the rank of Rear Admiral. Pritchard is Trinidad and 

Tobago’s first Chief of Defense Staff to hold the rank of 

Rear Admiral. 

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHTS
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The Perry Center’s internship program provides undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in university programs and recent graduates with an instrumental experience as research assistants 

and communications/multimedia assistants on important defense and security issues in the Western Hemisphere. Perry Center interns work alongside the Center’s subject matter experts and interact with distinguished senior officials from 32 Latin American and Caribbean countries. In addition to providing the 

center with research support, interns also have the opportunity to participate in a professional development 

program, attend outside lectures by dynamic speakers, and improve their writing, speaking, and language 

skills. Interns regularly publish their own work, co-authoring articles and papers with Perry Center faculty, 

and co-developing courses with Perry Center faculty. 

“Leaving my desk at the Perry Center has made me 

surprisingly nostalgic. The dynamic staff have imparted 

on me key lessons and advice for my future as a 

professional and an adult. My fellow interns have each 

left a very different and special imprint on my experience 

here, providing me with memories of laughter and career 

examples to follow. An internship with the Perry Center 

is a remarkable opportunity that promises development 

and learning through every aspect of professional life.”

-Giacomo Squatriti, Spring 2018

 INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Above and Below: Spring and Fall 2018 Interns.
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The Perry Center’s fellowship program provides current doctoral and post-doctoral students with the 

opportunity to conduct research at the Center. Fellows work as independent investigators alongside 

the Center’s subject matter experts receiving support and assistance on research on topics of their interest. 

In addition to conducting research, fellow also provide the Center with support and engage and interact 

with senior officials and dignitaries from across the Western Hemisphere.

Above: Visiting Fellow María Teresa Belandria 

presenting to WJPC faculty, staff, and students

Above: Visiting Fellow Dr. Maria Luisa Parraguez 

Kobek engaging with WJPC students during the 

Cybersecurity course

 FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
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Director LTG (Ret) Frederick Rudesheim

Chief of Staff Mr. Jeffrey Murphy

Dean, Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Tollefson

Chief, Strategic Plans and Communications COL Steven Angerthal, PhD., USA

Alumni Coordinator Ms. Molly Albin

Professor of Practice Mr. Alejandro Alemán

Visiting Fellow Ms. María Teresa Belandria

Operations Coordinator Ms. Liliana Besosa

Associate Professor Dr. Alejandra Bolaños

Resource Manager Mr. Luis Castro

Registrar Ms. Georgina Crovetto

Chief of Operations and Student Affairs Ms. Linda Denning

Multimedia Specialist Ms. Viviana Edwards

Adjunct Professor Mr. Walter Earle

Webmaster Mr. Nick Foreit

Professor of Practice Dr. William Godnick

Adjunct Professor Mr. Ricardo Gómez-Hecht

Management Analyst Ms. Suzanne Heist

Strategic Program Manager Mr. Michael Mann

Operations Officer Ms. Maria Fernanda Martinez

Perry Center Representative to USSOUTHCOM COL (R.) Patrick Mathes

Executive Assistant to the Director Ms. Maritza Monteverde

Chief, CTO/CIO Mr. Raul Neine

Adjunct Professor Dr. Carlos Ojeda Bennett

Adjunct Professor Dr. Román Ortiz Marina

Educational Outreach Coordinator Ms. Kara O’Ryan

Visiting Fellow Dr. Maria Luisa Parraguez Kobek

Professor of Practice Mr. Pat Paterson

Assistant Research Fellow Dr. Fabiana S. Perera

Professor of Practice Ms. Celina Realuyo

Associate Professor Dr. Boris Saavedra

Professor of Practice Mr. Kevin Saderup

Associate Professor Dr. David Spencer

Academic Assistant Ms. Emily Smith

Administrative Specialist Mr. Luis Torres

Operations Coordinator Mr. Henry Tweddle

 FACULTY & STAFF LISTING