The Academic Programs at CHDS include courses, seminars, conferences, workshops, and research. These programs are conducted at CHDS, with partner institutes across the region, and via video-conferencing.
The many complimentary components are anchored by the Foundational Courses, which are designed to enhance understanding and relationships critical to effective security and defense policies. These are enhanced by Specialized Courses, which are designed for practitioners, and Advanced Courses, which are primarily developed for CHDS graduates and offered as continuing education courses.
CHDS, in conjunction with many regional partners, also co-hosts a variety of events including conferences, seminars and workshops, each of which address critical issues for local audiences. This includes activities emphasizing support to regional and national policy-makers and leaders. For example, CHDS supports the leadership of newly-elected governments in the region with National Security Planning Workshops, conducted in the host nation, and Senior Executive Dialogues, which occur in Washington, DC. The week-long NationLab seminars are conducted at military and civilian educational institutions throughout the hemisphere. CHDS augments all these programs by conducting academic research that supports the Department of Defense and the defense ministries in the region.
For further assistance, please contact CHDSRegistrar@ndu.edu
» Courses
The Foundational Courses form the solid core of the CHDS educational program. These are augmented and enhanced through Specialized Courses and Advanced Courses.
» Seminars
CHDS hosts the Washington Security and Defense Seminar for Washington-based diplomatic and military representatives, plus other seminars for regional subject-matter experts and leaders.
» Conferences
CHDS hosted a Sub-Regional Conference (SRC), designed to sustain and enhance the networks of CHDS alumni and regional leaders, for many years. The conference format is currently being modified to adjust to resource constraints.
» NationLab
CHDS NationLab is a simulation exercise that engages senior policy-makers and senior students at superior studies institutes throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
» National Security Planning Workshop (NSPW)
The National Security Planning Workshop is held at the request of a country's top leaders in coordination with the US Embassy to yield a draft of a national security and defense strategy development process.
» CHDS Mission
Conduct educational activities for civilians and the military in the Western Hemisphere to foster trust, mutual understanding, regional cooperation and partner capacity.