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
Peter A. Gumataotao

Director

Peter A. Gumataotao

Rear Admiral (Ret.), U.S. Navy
Faculty
Staff
Leadership

News

Hegseth Addresses Indo-Pacom Partnerships During First Trip to Region

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed his strategic vision for the Defense Department, as it relates to the Indo-Pacific region, while delivering remarks to alumni of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu yesterday. Founded in 1995, the DKI APCSS is a DOD institute that offers a forum for military and civilian leaders from the region to come together and discuss local and global security matters.

A Story of Resistance in the Age of Algorithmic Irregular Warfare

Dr. "Lumpy" Lumbaca of the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies explores themes of technological overreach and human resilience in a piece published March 19, 2025, in Small Wars Journal. In The Sun Is Setting: A Story of Resistance in the Age of Algorithmic Irregular Warfare, Lumbaca presents a fictional narrative set in 2084exploring the rise of the Sky Global Algorithmic Network (Sky-GAN).

Critical Domains Take Center Stage during the Comprehensive Security Cooperation Course

Emerging challenges in critical domains were the key focus of the recent Comprehensive Security Cooperation (CSC25-1) course hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies from February 5 to March 12, 2025, in Honolulu. The intensive five-week course helped build capacity for allies and partners by leveraging the different perspectives, skills, and experiences of its multinational Fellows, which included 89 participants from 35 countries around the world. CSC 25-1 focused on critical security domains—Cyber, Space, and Maritime Security—providing Fellows with strategic insights into emerging challenges and opportunities. Through plenary sessions, scenario-based exercises, simulations, and specialized electives, the course fosters collaboration and strengthens the capacity of security practitioners to address complex security threats.

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center’s Pivotal Role in Strengthening Indo-Pacific Deterrence Strategies

By Dr. Andrea Malji As the geopolitical landscape continues to move toward an increasingly multipolar system, the risk of miscalculations, conflict, and war likewise increases. As the U.S. increases its focus on the Indo-Pacific, it is important that both the U.S. and its allies and partners are well-prepared for [...]

Dialogue #42 China’s Nuclear Rise

China’s nuclear arsenal is expanding at an unprecedented pace—how should the U.S. respond? In this episode, Dr. Bill Wieninger breaks down the risks, key lessons from history, and strategic options for deterrence, diplomacy, and maintaining stability in an increasingly volatile nuclear landscape.

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