The Western Hemisphere Seminar

U.S. National Security and Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean

Program Description

The Western Hemisphere is undergoing profound changes. From political shifts across Latin America to intensifying great-power competition in the Arctic and the Caribbean, developments across the Americas increasingly shape the security and prosperity of the United States.

In recent years, policymakers in Washington have renewed their focus on the Western Hemisphere as a central arena of U.S. national security, economic opportunity, and geopolitical competition. The 2025 National Security Strategy places the Americas—and the broader approaches to North America—at the forefront of U.S. strategic thinking, emphasizing the importance of defending the homeland, strengthening regional partnerships, and preventing adversarial powers from establishing strategic footholds near U.S. territory.

Some analysts view this renewed ‘hemispheric’ focus as a modern reinterpretation of the Monroe Doctrine, emphasizing the importance of preventing rival powers from gaining influence in the Americas and the strategic approaches from the Arctic to the Caribbean. Others see it as a broader effort to strengthen regional economic integration, secure supply chains, and deepen cooperation between North America and Latin America, while giving the Arctic overdue attention.

This special one-day program brings together experts in diplomacy, economics, history, strategy, and geopolitics to explore the evolving strategic landscape of the Western Hemisphere, spanning a wide swathe of territory from Greenland and the Arctic to the Caribbean and South America.

The seminar faculty will explore:

  • The Strategic Importance of the Western Hemisphere in the 21st Century
  • The Monroe Doctrine and Two Centuries of U.S. Engagement in the Americas
  • Greenland, the Arctic, and the Northern Approaches to North America
  • U.S.–Mexico–Canada Economic Integration and the Future of North American Supply Chains
  • The Rise of New Leadership in Central and South America
  • Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Across the Hemisphere
  • Migration, Security, and Transnational Crime Networks
  • China and Russia’s Growing Presence in Latin America and the Arctic
  • Strategic Geography: The Panama Canal, Arctic Sea Routes, and Caribbean Sea Lanes
  • Democracy, Governance, and Political Trends Across the Americas
  • Hemispheric Security Cooperation and What the Next Decade of U.S. Strategy May Look Like

The above topics may change to address current events and interests of the participants at the time of the seminar.

Available Formats/Delivery Options


These programs are designed to be delivered at U.S. military field locations.

Pricing will include program design and development, all faculty travel, expenses, speaker and moderator fees, program materials and associated overhead.

Each program will feature five separate presentations followed by an interactive afternoon panel discussion with the group.

The programs can also be delivered virtually from our in-house broadcast studio.

Please call 703-684-8807 or email [email protected] for further information and pricing.

 

Truly outstanding insight/superior historical background and great stories born throughout scars of experience; I attended National War College and they are known for great speakers/first-hand experience - yours were better. Huge thanks; extremely well done!

M. Weaver, Wright Patterson Airforce Base

Great speakers with decades of experience. Really appreciate the experience and perspectives.

Attendee, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command • Professional Development Course February 2017

Without a doubt the best seminar/training program I have ever experienced during 40 years in federal service. I would take this course once a quarter if possible and have all my people do so also.

USCG Attendee, White House Workshop • September, 2014

This is the best and most informative array of speakers I have ever had the pleasure to hear!

K. Buckley, Air Force

Excellent overview of an incredibly important subject given world events and a new administration. Great insights. Great speakers. Well done!

G.G., Air Force • Transnational Issues Seminar April 2017