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

DKI APCSS Director Suzy Vares-Lum’s Visit to Australia Highlights Strengthening Defense and Education Ties

DKI APCSS Director Suzy Vares-Lum recently visited Australia to advance collaboration in defense, education, and regional security. Her visit focused on strengthening academic partnerships and building the Center’s expanding alumni network in Australia. Vares-Lum met with representatives from several academic institutions, think tanks, and government agencies, creating opportunities to deepen ties between the U.S. and Australia.

Dialogue | Episode 46: Taiwan: Democracy and Deterrence

Taiwan is navigating the dual pressures of domestic democratic contestation and rising external threats across the Strait. In this episode, Howard Shen explores Taiwan’s political dynamics, evolving defense posture, and how identity and deterrence intersect in shaping its strategic future.

New Strategic Doctrine Reimagines Influence in the Era of Gray-Zone Competition

As strategic competition intensifies in the Indo-Pacific, traditional models of hard and soft power are proving insufficient. Canyon’s doctrine of Adaptive Power offers an updated framework based on five interdependent pillars: Timing, Context, Legitimacy, Modularity, and Learning. The article is grounded in extensive Indo-Pacific field research and strategic wargaming. It aligns with Department of Defense priorities such as campaigning in competition, strengthening partner resilience, and countering sharp power tactics used by authoritarian actors.

Vares-Lum Strengthens Indo-Pacific Partnerships on First Regional Trip as DKI APCSS Director

DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum completed her first Indo-Pacific trip, reinforcing U.S. partnerships in Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan through high-level meetings and regional collaboration initiatives.

Comprehensive Security Cooperation Course 25-2: The First Step Toward Contribution Is Understanding

DKI APCSS graduated 100 Fellows from its second Comprehensive Security Course of 2025, building international collaboration and resilience to Indo-Pacific security challenges through expert insights and strategic dialogue.

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