DIILS joined U.S. Naval Forces Africa to partner with African maritime colleagues from several different countries and participate in Exercise Cutlass Express in Mombasa, Kenya.

The Institute for Security Governance recently concluded a resident course in “Cybersecurity Policy & Practice” at ISG HQ in Monterey, California. This course explores policies and practices necessary to protect and defend the data, networks, systems, and platforms that are essential for military and security organizations, and that underpin economic, social, governmental, and political activity in society.

Instructors highlight the importance of effective cybersecurity as a national security imperative and, introduce participants to cyber mission assurance, explore barriers to effective policy and practical implementation, and consider the latest practices and innovations for building cyber resilience.

This Institute for Security Governance spotlight series highlights alumni of ISG programs whose exposure to defense governance and capacity building concepts, and interaction with ISG personnel, have had a significant impact on their area of expertise. In this edition, the spotlight focuses on ISG alum Rear Admiral (RADM) Roy Echeverria, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), who first interacted with the Institute in 2018 when he participated in the “Civil-Military Approaches to Maritime Security” resident course held at ISG headquarters in Monterey, California. In line with his impressive career, RADM Echeverria is currently serving in two offices and in two positions: as the Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command (MARSLEC), he is responsible for formulating policies, rules, and regulations pertaining to the implementation of the Philippine Coast Guard’s maritime law enforcement functions.

A Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) team recently traveled to Kazakhstan to conduct a seminar on Human Rights and the Law of Armed Conflict with members of Kazakhstan’s military.

The week of March 20, 2023, 28 students attended the Defense Security Cooperation University (DSCU) SC-301, Advanced Security Cooperation Management Course, five-day class in the National Capital Region.

For the first time in ISG’s engagement history with Japan, this iteration included a two-day train-the-trainer preparation, enabling five Japanese instructors from the JPC to join the ISG trainers in executing the course. Japanese partners taking a direct instructional role is a strong indicator of the efficacy of ISG’s capacity building efforts in Japan. The JPC indicated their intention to build on this success during the next course in July. Participants were encouraged by the Commandant of the Joint Staff College, Vice Admiral FUTAKAWA Tatsuya, during his graduation to “take home and share the knowledge and the skills they have acquired during the course and be a core personnel in the international missions.” Japan is looking for ways to increase its contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping.