Twenty-Two Senior Leaders Graduated from the Transnational Security Cooperation Course

Twenty-two senior leaders from 19 countries and the United States completed the Transnational Security Cooperation (TSC) course 21-3 which was conducted in-resident in Honolulu, HI, from Dec. 5^th to 10^th.  

 The fellows participating in the course represented diverse nationalities from Bangladesh, Colombia, Fiji, Indonesia, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Palau, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, and Taiwan. Non-governmental organizations in attendance included the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Criminal Police Organization. The three US fellows in attendance represented the US Coast Guard, Department of State, and Department of Defense.  

 The Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) offers TSC three times a year to senior security practitioners from the whole-of-government and society at the vice-minister, ambassador, and senior military officer (one- to four-star rank) level. The course aims to enhance awareness of transnational security issues within the complex environments they occur; explore collaborative policies to address transnational security challenges; identify opportunities to strengthen states’ capacities; and promote effective security governance.  

 Admiral (Ret), Dr. Jayanath Colombage, current Sri Lanka Secretary of Foreign Affairs, attended TSC as an alumnus of the DKI APCSS Executive Course in 2006. Utilizing the Center’s alumni network, Admiral (Ret) Colombage has been able to expand his professional connections.  He utilized the DKI APCSS library information resources while continuing his education, culminating in his doctoral thesis and degree.   After attending his second DKI APCSS course, he now aims to take advantage of the new professional contacts and relationships, and looks forward to working with other Sri Lankan DKI APCSS alumni to make positive contributions to security in his country.  

 Other Fellows commented that they walked away with a deeper perspective on the security issues facing their countries. One fellow remarked that they wanted to “extend their sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the experience and knowledge that they have gained in the week long course.” The Fellows particularly appreciated the opportunity to have face-to-face interactions with their peers and the academic facilitators.  

 The USINDOPACOM commander, Admiral John Aquilino, highlighted the course with a robust discussion with the participants giving his perspective on the most pertinent security issues facing the region. Admiral Aquilino reiterated his strong commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.  Other highlights included spotlight presentations on information security, disinformation, and fake news. Presentations through the week represented a broad range of security issues from the “Global Impact of COVID-19” to “New Tech’s Impact on Security Competition” to discussions covering cybersecurity, cryptocurrencies, and emerging technologies. 

 TSC 21-3 examined the nexus between traditional and non-traditional elements of security to highlight the importance of a broader understanding of strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific. The blended approach of plenary presentations and guided discussions and Tabletop exercises kept the senior leaders actively engaged with focused interactions and guided discussions.   

The TSC is one of a number of flagship courses offered by DKI APCSS. The Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Department of Defense institution that addresses regional and global security issues. Military and civilian representatives, mostly from the Indo-Pacific nations, participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Indo-Pacific region.  

 The Center supports U.S. Indo-Pacific Command by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. DKI APCSS’ mission is to build capacities and communities of interest by educating, connecting and empowering security practitioners to advance Indo-Pacific security. It is one of the Department of Defense’s five regional security studies centers.  

 Since opening in 1995, 13,219 alumni representing 138 countries and locations have attended DKI APCSS courses.  

 The course manager for TSC 21-3 was Dr. Srini Sitaraman and the course coordinator was Lt. Col. Howard Eyth, USMC.