21–25 March 2022, the Near East South Asia Center (NESA) hosted a Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES) titled “The Importance of Non-State Actors.” The seminar started off with an introduction and welcome from Course Director and NESA Center Professor Dr. Gawdat Bahgat, NESA Center Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas, and NESA Center Director LTG Terry A. Wolff, USA (Ret.).

The five-day virtual seminar focused on understanding the important role non-state actors play in shaping the life of ordinary people around the world, analyzing the role free press plays in all societies, and how to fight corruption and promote good governance. The seminar also examined the global economic system, the war on terrorism, the role private firms play in shaping the political agenda, and religious organizations’ efforts in promoting human aid. There were ten sessions that began with a speaker presentation and closed with an open discussion held under Chatham House rule. Discussion sessions were moderated by Dr. Gawdat Bahgat, NESA Center Professor Minister Ali Jalali, and NESA Center Professor Dr. Richard Russell. The CTSES engaged with 38 participants from 19 countries.

The views presented in this article are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.