The workshop program is tightly focused and anticipates the most challenging regional and transnational security issues and cooperation tasks ahead. These in-person or virtual events serve as a forum for key regional interagency security policy drafters and decision-makers to produce actionable outputs and executable outcomes. This results in unique value-added opportunities for partnering organizations and participants.

In-Region

  • A collaborative event conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region that addresses cutting-edge current and/or future security and security-cooperation challenges.
  • Designed to produce actionable outputs and executable outcomes, providing unique value to partnering organizations and participants.
  • Topics target urgent and important security issues perceived as ‘too hard’ or ‘too new’ to address in a more significant, structured forum.
  • Workshops last 2 to 5 days and are typically attended by 30 to 50 participants.
  • Participant selection focuses heavily on DKI APCSS alumni, who are included to foster open discussions among new participants and offer alumni continuing education opportunities at a higher level.
  • Upon completion, participants will be introduced to various methods of connecting for discussions, sharing information, and fostering cooperation.

In-Resident
In-resident workshops will generally mirror the scope and concept of in-region workshops. Bilateral workshops afford increased honesty and openness among participants when held in residence. In contrast, multilateral workshops typically have broader national involvement as target countries are not limited to a sub-region. In-resident workshops also see greater participation from USINDOPACOM and other U.S. agencies.

For more information or questions about Workshops, please email us at dsca.derussy.dki-apcss.mesg.reo@mail.mil

Past Workshops

Karakoa Forum Launched in Manila

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of National Defense (DND) and the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) hosted a two-day Karakoa Forum in Manila on April 25 and 28, 2025, in partnership with the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS). A team of five DKI APCSS faculty members — Dr. Ginnie Watson, Professor Mike Burgoyne, Dr. Sam Mullins, Col. Matt Kent, and Maj. Kyle Brown — traveled to the Philippines at the invitation of the government to support the launch of the inaugural forum.

Forging Unbreakable Bonds: IPSEL SMEE 25-1 Cultivates Enlisted Leadership Across the Indo-Pacific

Beneath the welcoming skies of Honolulu, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), in close collaboration with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM), hosted a pivotal gathering from April 20–26, 2025: IPSEL SMEE 25-1. This distinguished forum brought together 80 senior enlisted leaders and their mentors, representing 22 Indo-Pacific economies and global partners. The Indo-Pacific Senior Enlisted Leaders Subject Matter Expert Exchange (IPSEL SMEE) is a unique and vital platform where the bedrock of our armed forces—senior enlisted professionals—converge to strengthen regional trust, build shared understanding of complex security challenges, and advance strategic leadership capabilities across national boundaries. In an era defined by increasingly intricate regional dynamics, these leaders serve as both steadfast operational anchors and influential strategic communicators. IPSEL SMEE empowers them with the perspectives, tools, and enduring partnerships needed to lead effectively in today’s fast-changing security environment. Throughout the week, Fleet Master Chief David Isom, the USINDOPACOM Command Senior Enlisted Leader, provided consistent mentorship and guidance.

Maluhia Talks 2025 Shine a Light on Regional Challenges

In April, the Daniel K. Inouye Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) convened senior officials from the United States, key Indo-Pacific nations, and other allies and partners for the Maluhia Talks, which focus on Indo-Pacific challenges, priorities, and security opportunities. The event included 18 participants from 15 countries across the region and beyond.

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Chairs Inaugural Plenary Meeting of Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience

On October 7-8, 2024, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante chaired the inaugural plenary meeting of the Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) in Honolulu, HI. National Armament Directors, and similarly positioned senior leaders, joined him from all PIPIR member nations in both the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions. The engagement was hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies and the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM).

Workshop Held to Review Maldives’ Strategy on Preventing Violent Extremism

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), in collaboration with the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) of the Maldives, hosted a workshop aimed at revising and updating the country’s strategy on preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). The one-day event was designed to help the NCTC assess and improve the National Strategy on P/CVE (NS-PCVE) and its associated National Action Plan (NAP-PCVE).

US Ambassador to Canada Engages with Emerging Leaders

The Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS), the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (TSC), and the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) partnered to organize an Emerging Leaders Forum. This four-day workshop brought together a diverse group of emerging defense and national security leaders from the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic regions.

DKI APCSS Supports the 5th Thai Senior Security Studies Program

The Royal Thai Armed Forces’ Strategic Studies Center of the National Defense Studies Institute (NDSI) recently hosted the fifth Senior Security Studies Program (SSSP). The intensive, one-week course for senior Thai security sector leaders was held in Bangsaen, Chonburi, and focused on the impact of regional changes and the capacity of leaders and institutions to manage those changes. Two faculty members from the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (DKI APCSS) once again participated in the course.