Security Studies
Celebrating the Achievements of CSC 24-1
“Today we are not celebrating our individual achievements but also our collective journey that we have undertaken towards fostering stronger relationships and understanding. “ —Ms. Kartika Pertiwi from Indonesia. On March 20, 2024, 92 Fellows from 31 locations around the world completed the...
Chatham House: Iran Dialogue April 2024
On Friday, 12 April 2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies held a hybrid roundtable discussion with about 15 Iran experts in London.Chatham House, a leading British think-tank, organized the meeting. Academic Dean Dr. Roger Kangas and Professor Dr. Gawdat Bahgat...
Chinese Views of North Korea’s Uncertain Future
Dr. Sungmin Cho, professor at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, presented research during a program organized by The Korea Society. The research analyzed Chinese texts focusing on North Korea’s regime stability, the country’s uncertain future, and the potential...
Climate Adaptation: Building Partnerships for Resilience in South Asia
Climate adaptation and building climate literacy were the focus of a workshop hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The workshop titled “Climate Adaptation: Building Partnerships for Resilience in South Asia” was held August 21-24, 2023 in Kathmandu, Nepal...
Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES): “Emerging Security Platforms in the Digital Age"
From 11–15 September 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES) titled“Emerging Security Platforms in the Digital Age”held in Washington, D.C. Course Director David Des Roches during the...
Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES): “Technological Innovation & Security Challenges in the NESA Region”
From 22–26 January 2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a Combating Transnational Threats Senior Executive Seminar (CTSES) titled“Technological Innovation & Security Challenges in the NESA Region,”held at National Defense University in Washington, D.C...
Connecting Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Beyond
From 9–12 July 2023, the NESA Center hosted the 10thannual Strategic Studies Network (SSN) Central Asia Working Group meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan. The NESA Center partnered with theCaspian Policy Center(CPC) and theAzerbaijan Diplomatic Academy(ADA) to manage the workshop that gathered experts...
Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing Seminar
From10–14July2023,in Washington, D.C.,the NESA Center for Strategic Studies hosted a seminartitled“Countering Violent Extremismand the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices.”The seminarwas designed to help participants evaluate and analyze the nature and dynamics ofsignificantcommunity...
Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices 2024 Program
From28 January – 1February2024, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted a program in Kathmandu, Nepal, titled“Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Community Policing: Best Practices.”The seminarwas designed to help participants evaluate and analyze the...
Critical Domains Take Center Stage during the Comprehensive Security Cooperation Course
Emerging challenges in critical domains were the key focus of the recent Comprehensive Security Cooperation (CSC25-1) course hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies from February 5 to March 12, 2025, in Honolulu. The intensive five-week course helped build...
CSC 23-3: Fellows Navigate Uncertainty with Courage
In a world marked by evolving geopolitical security challenges, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) hosted the Comprehensive Security Cooperation (CSC) course 23-3 in Honolulu, bringing together 108 Fellows from over 30 countries in the Indo-Pacific region...
CSC 24-2 Graduation: A Journey of Cooperation and Leadership
“This part of my life is happiness,” said Divya Rai, reflecting on her experiences at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) in Honolulu. Rai was among 123 Fellows from 40 countries who completed the Comprehensive Security Cooperation (CSC24-2) course on June...
Currents Magazine: Celebrating Partnerships and Resilience
The summer edition ofCurrents, themed “Building Partnerships for Resilience,” features candid photos of Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies participants on the cover, engaging in courses, workshops, and visits that capture the theme. This issue includes a farewell...
Currents Magazine: Fostering Discussions on Regional Stability and Security
HONOLULU – The latest edition of Currents magazine, the official publication of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), is now available. This winter’s edition, themed “Fostering Discussions on Regional Stability and Security,” features Philippine President...
Cyber Security Seminar: Sharing Experiences
The NESA Center executed its first cyber security seminar from 12–15 June 2023 in Washington, D.C., titled “Cyber Security: Sharing Experiences.” Twelve countries from the MENA region were represented. Senior U.S. officials and think-tank representatives addressed the seminar. All...
Defense Security Cooperation University Military Officer NESA Center Orientation
On Thursday, 27 July 2023, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies welcomed three U.S. military officers who attended the Defense Security Cooperation University’s (DSCU) seven-week training and education program, which includes the Fundamentals and Application of Security...
Developing Hawai’i’s Relationships with Indo-Pacific – Part One: Point Counterpoint
DKI APCSS’ Dr. Srini Sitaraman recently appeared onThink Tech Hawai’i’sspecial series “Developing Hawai’i’s Relationships with Indo-Pacific – Part One: Point Counterpoint.” The show was hosted by the former Governor of Hawaii, Mr. John Waihee. Other panelists included journalist Christopher...
Dialogue #35: Indo-Pacific Humanity and Geopolitics
Dialogue 35 with Dr. James M. Minnich and Jonathan Robinson A Sea of Need: Navigating Humanity and Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific The idyllic turquoise waters and vibrant cultures of the Indo-Pacific often mask a harsher reality. This vast region, home to two-thirds of humanity...
Dialogue #37: The Indo-Pacific Mosaic
Beyond the Headlines: A Fresh Look at Indo-Pacific Security The Indo-Pacific—the most populous and economically dynamic region on Earth—is increasingly at the center of global security concerns. But beyond the headline-grabbing U.S.-China rivalry, a far more intricate and...
Dialogue #38 - Frontlines of Economic Warfare: Raquel Garbers on Canada’s Fight for Economic Sovereignty
Economic Warfare: Canada’s Fight for Economic Sovereignty In today’s geopolitical landscape, economic leverage is as potent as military might. Nations are increasingly waging battles through financial systems, supply chains, and technological dominance—placing Canada at the...
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Faculty Publication: "Saudi-Iran Rapprochement: A contrarian view" by David Des Roches
On 26 April 2023, Azure Strategy published NESA Center ProfessorDavid Des Roches's Op-Ed "Saudi-Iran Rapprochement: A contrarian view" on whatthe Beijing-brokered Saudi-Iran agreement reveals about the Middle East roles of the U.S. and China. "The resumption of Saudi-Iran diplomatic relations is...
J5 Academic Paper: “NEOM City: Integrated Campaigning and Competition with China”
Abstract: NEOM City is a planned futuristic metroplex that serves as a $500 billion cornerstone of the Vision 2030 strategic framework that reduces Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and diversifies its economy. Currently, USCENTCOM does not have a plan to capitalize on what will become a regional...
Alumni Publication: "2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 16 August 2023, The Diplomat published NESA Center alumnaShanthie Mariet D’Souza's Op-Ed "2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban." "Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban have entrenched themselves in power and common Afghans have been driven...
NESA Center Update: April – May 2023
TheNESA CenterApril – May 2023 Updatefocuses onCentral and South Asiaregion trends. The update also highlights April through May NESA Center programs and events, faculty and staff engagements, alumni contributions, and a calendar with upcoming events. Central & South Asia Trends: A...
Alumni Publication: "Hidden Horrors: Online Child Pornography" by Charani Patabendige
On 16 August 2023,Asia Pacific Security Magazine (APSM) published NESA Center alumnaCharani Patabendige's article"Hidden Horrors: Online Child Pornography" on child pornographylaws, national security implications, and challenges. "Child pornography is often viewed as a moral or criminal offence...
Alumni Publication: "The Fall of a Nation: A Story of Resilience and Hope" by Mustafa Aryan
On 18 August 2023, two years after the Taliban seized control of Kabul,Salzburg Global Seminar published NESA Center alumMustafa Aryan's article"The Fall of a Nation: A Story of Resilience and Hope" in which herecounts the vividmemories he hasof the Afghan government collapse. Aryan's piece...
CSAG Strategy Paper: "The Russian War's Impact on Global Order"
Overview: The Russian invasion of Ukraine has challenged established international norms and principles. The annexation of Crimea and subsequent full invasion of Ukraine violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which are fundamental principles of international law. The conflict...
The Niger Coup and Turkey’s Military Industrial Complex in Africa
On 23 August 2023, The Turkey Analyst published NESA Center regular speaker Professor Michaël Tanchum's article"The Niger Coup and Turkey’s Military Industrial Complex in Africa." "The recent military coup in Niger marks the point of no return for the unraveling of France’s dominant economic and...
Alumni Publication: “More Than Just a Boundary Dispute: The Regional Geopolitics of Saudi-Yemeni Relations” by Fadhl Al-Maghafi
NESA Center alumFadhl Al-Maghafi authored a thesis titled“More Than Just a Boundary Dispute: The Regional Geopolitics of Saudi-Yemeni Relations” for theSchool of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Abstract: This thesis questions whether the territorial solution reached...
Alumni Publication: "The Taliban’s Afghanistan: Retribution, Refugees, and Violent Extremism" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 29 August 2023,The Diplomatpublished NESA Center alumnaShanthie Mariet D’Souza's latest Op-Ed"The Taliban’s Afghanistan: Retribution, Refugees, and Violent Extremism." "An overwhelming element of vengeance continues to drive the Taliban’s policies, as illustrated by continued reports of...
Alumni Publication: "Boats of Bengal: The United States Must Step Up" by Commander Kevin Duffy
In July, the U.S. Naval Institute'sProceedings Magazinepublished the article"Boats of Bengal: The United States Must Step Up" by NESA Center alumCommander Kevin Duffy, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired). Duffy writes that there is an "urgent need for change in the Bay of Bengal and the adjacent Andaman...
The Rise of Generative AI and the Coming Era of Social Media Manipulation 3.0
The RAND Corporationrecently published a research report titled "The Rise of Generative AI and the Coming Era of Social Media Manipulation 3.0: Next-Generation Chinese Astroturfing and Coping with Ubiquitous AI." The authors argue thatU.S. adversaries can use generative AI for social media...
Alumni Publication: "Psychological Motives Behind Investing in Pyramid Schemes Jeopardising Security" by Charani Patabendige
On 12 September 2023,Ceylon Todaypublished NESA Center alumna CharaniPatabendige's latest article titled"Psychological Motives Behind Investing in Pyramid Schemes Jeopardising Security." "Pyramid schemes jeopardise the security of the country economically, financially as well as it has social...
Alumni Publication: "High Time for Multi-Track Dialogues between Greece and Turkey" by Antonia Dimou
On 12 September 2023,Modern Diplomacypublished NESA Center alumnaAntonia Dimou'slatest Op-Ed titled"High Time for Multi-Track Dialogues between Greece and Turkey." "...we can encourage and support our leaders in going down the road of completing the basis of peaceful and fruitful neighborly co-...
Alumni Publication: "Amid Reports on Chinese Expansion of Bases, Sri Lanka Unveils SOP: Need for a Reality Check?" by Asanga Abeyagoonasekera
On 11 September 2023, the Institute for Security and Development Policy published NESA Center alumAsanga Abeyagoonasekera'spolicy brief titled"Amid Reports on Chinese Expansion of Bases, Sri Lanka Unveils SOP: Need for a Reality Check?" ABSTRACT: India has realized it cannot possibly balance...
Alumni Publication: "An ambassador arrives: China tangos with the Taliban in Afghanistan" by Shanthie Mariet D'Souza
On 18 September 2023, the Middle East Institute published NESA Center alumna Shanthie Mariet D'Souza's brief analysis"An ambassador arrives: China tangos with the Taliban in Afghanistan" in its weekly newsletter/blogMonday Briefing. "The Taliban regime, which recently welcomed the new Chinese...
Alumni Publication: "Hobson’s Choice for India in Taliban-Held Afghanistan" by Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
On 19 September 2023,The Diplomatpublished NESA Center alumnaShanthie Mariet D’Souza's latest Op-Ed"Hobson’s Choice for India in Taliban-Held Afghanistan." "When it comes the question of engaging with the Taliban, New Delhi favors a cautious middle path," writesD’Souza. Read the full article...
Alumni Publication: "America and the 'War of Ideas' Against Islamic Extremism" by Ilan Berman
On 11 August 2023, the American Foreign Policy Council(AFPC) published the article"America and the 'War of Ideas' Against Islamic Extremism"byIlan Berman, a NESACenter alum and regular speaker for NESA Center programs. Berman's article is featured in AFPC's latest issue of its Defense Dossier...
CSAG Information Paper: "Chinese-brokered Iran-KSA Détente, 'A Game-Changer or a Mirage?'”
Subject:Chinese-brokered Iran-KSA Détente, “A Game-Changer or a Mirage?” Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the recent rapprochement between Iran and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) brokered by China. Introduction: The recent diplomatic agreement between Iran and KSA in March 2023 is a...
CSAG Information Paper: "Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization"
Subject:Deir ez-Zor: Critical Juncture in the Process Towards Syria’s Normalization Purpose: To present CSAG’s analysis of the strategic significance of Deir ez-Zor in shaping the future of Syria. It reveals the growing interest of various actors operating in the region and their efforts to gain...