Educate, Connect and Empower

In Their Own Words: Fellows describe their DKI APCSS experience

We are a Department of Defense institution that provides a forum where current and future military and civilian leaders from the Indo-Asia-Pacific gather to address regional and global security issues and enhance security cooperation through programs of executive education, professional exchange, and building relationships of trust and confidence.

About Us

Vision

A free and prosperous Indo-Pacific promoting collaborative security.

Mission

DKI APCSS builds resilient capacity, shared understanding, and networked relationships among civilian and military practitioners and institutions to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Approach

In support of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs (IPSA), and the Director, Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), and as a Mission Partner of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), DKI APCSS will cultivate and maintain security networks that reinforce the rules-based international order.

Value Proposition

DKI APCSS is recognized and respected for delivering practical outcomes that enhance security sector capacity and cooperation.

Alumni
Association

Courses Held
Countries Attending
Graduates
Alumni
Virtual Engagements
Virtual Participants
Years in Service

216
152
16,750*
15,840
133
7,759
30

FACTS

Alumni Senior
positions

President/PM
Vice President/Deputy PM
Minister/Deputy Minister
Ambassador/High Commissioner
Chief or Deputy Chief of Defense
Chief or Deputy Chief of Service
Cabinet or Parliament appointment
General/Flag Officer

7
11
122
276
56
114
210
1594

2,305

Participants

11,500

Workshops

313

Courses

On Sept. 30, 1994 President Clinton signed H.R. 4650 to establish the “Nimitz Center.” During the year, name is changed to the “Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.” The Center officially opened on Sept. 4, 1995, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Honorable William J. Perry, then-Secretary of Defense and General John M. Shalikashvili, then Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.

August 2020

Defense Secretary Esper the Keynote speaker at DKI APCSS’ 3rd Speaker Series and 25th Anniversary Commemoration

Our History

The Hawaii Congressional Delegation announces the redesignation of APCSS as the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). The change is included in the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act. Learn more

September 1994-1995

February 2015

The Lamp of Knowledge represents the academic focus of the Center and signifies the desire to foster understanding, cooperation and the study of regional security issues.

The laurel branches form a Wreath of Peace that emphasize the Center’s non-warfighting approach to addressing regional security issues.

The visible portion of the world globe depicts the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility.

Seal

The continuous ribbon symbolizes the strong interrelationship among the six geographic regions of the Asia-Pacific theater.

The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies seal was conceptualized
by Dr. Jimmie R. Lackey, who was then an Army colonel, and is a former DKI APCSS executive director. The Center was renamed on February 2015 to Honor the late Senator, Daniel K. Inouye.

Our Team

Admissions

Admissions
Dean of Business Operations

Dean of Business Operations
Dean of College

Dean of College
Executive Office Group

Executive Office Group
Human Resources

Human Resources
Library

Library
Regional Engagement Operations

Regional Engagement Operations
Resource Management

Resource Management
Faculty
Staff
Leadership

News

Dialogue | Episode 52: Forging Fleets: ROK-U.S. Shipbuilding Cooperation and Sino-U.S. Maritime Competition

Maritime power in the Indo-Pacific hinges on shipyards as much as strategy. The episode with the Korea Institute for Maritime Strategy (KIMS) explores China’s naval expansion, South Korea’s shipbuilding leadership, and opportunities for U.S. cooperation with allies.

Galle Dialogue 2025 at the Nexus of the Indian Ocean

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) sent a team of leadership, faculty and staff to actively participate throughout the 12th edition of the Galle Dialogue International Maritime Conference, and were honored to present as the only panel speakers from the United States. Hosted by the Sri Lanka Navy from Sept. 24–25, 2025, in Welisara, the conference convened senior maritime leaders from 36 countries and 14 international organizations to address evolving security challenges, focusing on this year’s theme, “Maritime Outlook of the Indian Ocean under Changing Dynamics.”

Introducing the Strategic Voices Podcast

Join Professors James Minnich, Shyam Tekwani, and Lami Kim as they explore the Indo-Pacific’s most pressing security challenges through sharp analysis, candid debate, and a closing segment on Wins & Woes — what’s going right and what’s not.

DKI APCSS Marks 30 Years With Alumni Workshop

In June more than 40 participants from 19 countries took part in the lively third iteration of the Whole of Society Resilience Workshop, where the subject matter was, at times, as fervid as the summer temperatures outside. Held in the climate-controlled confines of Maluhia Hall, and conducted by the staff and faculty of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, this event brought back several participants and welcomed many more as this course narrowed the scope of the series from concepts to concrete actions.

Security Nexus Perspective: Flight into the Dark: South Asia’s Protest Republics

A new Security Nexus Perspective by Shyam Tekwani investigates the recent wave of government collapses across South Asia and the security implications for the broader Indo-Pacific regiDrawing on his expertise in regional politics and conflict at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, Tekwani traces how citizen-led protests in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal dismantled fragile regimes from within. The analysis emphasizes a central argument: lasting deterrence in the Indo-Pacific must be grounded in domestic stability, not solely in external alliances or military strength.

The stories posted here are only excerpts. Please go to our website to read the full articles.
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