7th Annual Security Challenges in Latin America Forum

The Johns Hopkins SAIS Latin America Studies Initiative, in collaboration with the Wilson Center, and the Inter American Defense College (IADC), hosts this annual forum in Washington, DC with a focus on defense and security in the Americas.

Each year the forum focuses on different themes. While last year’s forum focused on environmental protection and how the armed forces and law enforcement agencies address those challenges, this year is focused on learning from the last 25 years to secure the next quarter century in Latin America.
Panel 1: "Invisible Frontlines: Navigating Hybrid and Asymmetric Threats in Latin America"
How are hybrid threats—combining cyberattacks, disinformation, and non-state actors—challenging traditional security frameworks, and how can Latin American nations adapt their defense strategies?

Panel 2: "Breaking Barriers: Strengthening Civilian Oversight in Security Institutions"

What institutional challenges—such as entrenched corruption, fragile governance, and weak civilian oversight—continue to hinder security forces? How can reforms and accountability measures drive institutional resilience?

Keynote: Brian A. Nichols; Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affiars

Panel 3: "From Drones to Space: Harnessing Innovation to Transform Security Operations"
How can cutting-edge technologies—like drones, satellite surveillance, and AI—enhance the capabilities of security forces in Latin America to respond to evolving threats?

This event is open to the public.

Host or Publisher SAIS Events