In a landmark development at the 2022 U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialog (BSD), both nations pledged to fortify their alliance through the creation of a groundbreaking Philippines - Security Sector Assistance Roadmap (P-SSAR). This strategic initiative is designed to seamlessly link strategy to resources, ensuring a focused approach to mutual security assistance planning. The P-SSAR aims to address shared security challenges by investing in capabilities agreed upon bilaterally, fostering efficiency in the expenditure of foreign military financing (FMF) and International Security Cooperation Program (ISCP) funds. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) has entrusted the Institute for Security Governance (ISG) with the pivotal role of designing and implementing the P-SSAR.

The first South Asia Regional Disaster Response Exercise and Exchange (DREE) ended successfully with the closing ceremony at the end of July at the National Guard Headquarters in Guam. Guam’s governor, the Honorable Lou Leon Guerrero, served as the keynote speaker. 

We are delighted to announce the inclusion of a book review by ISG Africa Regional Program Lead, Dr. Whitney Grespin, in Fall 2023 issue of the Journal of Advanced Military Studies. In this issue, authors explore the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the global impact of Russia’s aggression in the region, and the future of conflict for NATO nations. Specifically, Dr. Grespin’s review provides a comprehensive analysis of “The Islamic State in Africa: The Emergence, Evolution, and Future of the Next Jihadist Battlefront” by Jason Warner, et al (Oxford University Press, 2022).

The Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) hosted six students for the final iteration of the Executive Education 901 Course from December 4-8, 2023, at its Arlington, Virginia, campus. The students were in positions, or moving into positions, entailing responsibility for the planning and execution of Security Cooperation programs.

The class had representation from the Montana and Florida National Guards, Air Force Air Education and Training Command (Air Force Security Assistance Training Squadron), U.S. Army Pacific Command, and the Department of the Navy. The course provided an understanding of Security Cooperation whole-of-government processes, roles, and responsibilities to include strategic considerations, current legal and policy guidance, and the various operational and tactical challenges impacting the planning and execution of Security Cooperation programs.

In December 2023, President Joseph Biden designated January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, encouraging Americans to recognize signs of trafficking in persons (TIP). With millions affected globally, the U.S. Defense Department is actively combating human trafficking through its Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Program. President Biden emphasized the severity of the issue, stating that TIP poses a threat to global security, public safety, and human dignity. He highlighted the staggering reality that “More than 27 million people around the world endure the abhorrent abuse of human trafficking and forced labor,” and reiterated the nation's commitment to end these crimes.

Looking for a good listen? Check the recent episode of the “After the JAG Corps” podcast, featuring ISG’s own Director Ian Wexler.

The interview takes you through Director Wexler’s time serving in the Navy JAG Corps; his last assignment in uniform as Director of the Defense Institute for International Legal Studies in Newport, RI; and his recent civilian transition to becoming Director of the Institute for Security Governance in Monterey, CA.