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DKI APCSS Monthly Newsletter
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August 2026
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Readiness
 Dr. James M. Minnich Named Dean of the College of Security Studies
DKI APCSS marked a new chapter for its College of Security Studies on Aug. 10 with the appointment of Dr. James M. Minnich as dean. Dean Minnich has since initiated a reorganization of the College designed to strengthen alignment between its academic enterprise and the most consequential security challenges facing the Indo-Pacific.
The College is now organized into three academic departments: Strategic Deterrence, Allies and Partners, and Capacity and Resilience. The new structure brings greater focus to the College’s problem-centered approach to executive education while more deliberately aligning faculty expertise, curriculum, scholarship, and strategic engagements with priority security challenges.
The reorganization also strengthens the College’s ability to integrate its academic activities across courses, workshops, dialogues, scholarship, and other engagements—better positioning DKI APCSS to educate, connect, and empower U.S., ally, and partner security practitioners across the Indo-Pacific.
The College reorganization is part of DKI APCSS’ broader Center optimization effort to strengthen alignment, integration, and mission execution across the organization.
Learn More
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Mahalo Nui Loa to Dean Carleton Cramer!
Thank you for your 22 years of dedicated service and your incredible legacy leading the DKI APCSS 'ohana!
Retired U.S. Navy Captain Carleton Cramer recently stepped down as Dean of the College of Security Studies, a role he held for 13 years after first joining the Center as a military faculty member. Cramer truly embodied the spirit of aloha while shaping security leaders across the Indo-Pacific.
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Readiness
COFA 26: A Resounding Success in Regional Security Cooperation!
In July, DKI APCSS hosted a two-day follow-up seminar on National Security Policy Development with participants from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. By discussing national security coordination priorities and exploring ways to strengthen resilience against gray zone threats, workshop participants identified key opportunities for future collaboration.
Allies and Partners
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Whole of Society Resilience Workshop Continues to Deliver
Over 40 global decision-makers and military, civilian, and private-sector experts from 18 countries recently gathered in Honolulu for the fourth annual Whole of Society Resilience Workshop. Featuring insights from USPACOM and SOCPAC leaders, the elite session focused on tackling resilience, resistance, and deterrence by testing real-world defense strategies through an intensive wargame.
Read More
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Readiness
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Emerging Military Technologies in International Security (EMTIS) Intern Workshop
Emerging security professionals from across the Indo-Pacific recently gathered at DKI APCSS to assess how specific technologies are reshaping the international security environment. Through rigorous discussion and focused analytical work, participants produced six TRACE (Tools, Risks, Actors, Context, Effects) papers designed to identify key opportunities and inform regional stakeholders about future engagement, cooperation, and partnership.
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Allies and Partners
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Dr. Byrd Highlights Strategic Importance of U.S.-Philippines Alliance
Speaking on the topic “The Philippines Matters for America / America Matters for the Philippines” at an East-West Center panel on Aug. 10, 2026, DKI APCSS professor Miemie Winn Byrd noted that maritime chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca and the South China Sea are critical to regional security.
She emphasized that collective deterrence is built on trust and resilience, which the U.S. and the Philippines have developed over decades of cooperation. As the current ASEAN chair, the Philippines has an opportunity to provide principled leadership on regional issues from maritime security to Myanmar.
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Security Nexus is a free, open-access, peer-reviewed online publication covering comprehensive security issues throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the world.
The New Grammar of Limited War in South Asia
by Shyam Tekwani
Read article
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Explore critical defense insights in "America’s Strategic Edge: Deterrence, Lethality, and Warrior Ethos in the Indo-Pacific," edited by Dr. James M. Minnich. Learn how the U.S. sustains regional leadership and security through advanced capabilities, robust deterrence, and the enduring strength of its people.
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 Maj. Gen. Gent Welsh, The Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard.
 CSM Daryle Plude, DSCA Command Senior Enlisted Leader
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American Samoa Community College
Maj. Gen. Sam Keener, USAF, Director for Strategy, Policy, Plans, and International Affairs (J5), National Guard Bureau.
Rear Adm. Garin Golding, Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy
Mr. David Muehlke, Counselor for Political Affairs, U.S. Embassy in Jakarta
Mr. Kosuke Idenoue, Consul for Defense Affairs, Consulate of Japan
Mr. Manabu Ebisu, incoming Consul for Defense Affairs, Consulate of Japan
Vice Adm. Takeshi Yoshioka, Commander, JMSDF Information Warfare Command
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Upcoming Programs
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Multinational Armaments Resilience Seminar (MARS) 2026
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Indo-Pacific Orientation Course (IPOC 26-3): October 26-30
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Transnational Security Cooperation (TSC) course: December 6-11
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Podcast
Find our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
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Dialogue | Episode 60: The Making of Taiwan’s Military with
Historian Dr. Eric Setzekorn
Upcoming
Dialogue | Episode 61: Landpower in a Maritime Theater with LTG Matthew McFarlane, Commanding General, I Corps
September 17, noon in Hawaii
Dialogue | Episode 62: Ships, Shipping, and Power in the Indo-Pacific with Sal Mercogliano
August 28, 3 p.m. in Hawaii
View schedule and recordings on
dkiapcss.edu/dialogue
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Strategic Voices brings together Professors James Minnich, Andrea Malji, and Shyam Tekwani for candid debate on Indo-Pacific security. Each episode examines the highs, lows, and blind spots of key reports, closing with Wins & Woes on what deserves recognition — and what demands concern.
View schedule and recordings on dkiapcss.edu/strategic-voices
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 U.S. Pacific Command Adm. Samuel J. Paparo visited Vietnam to strengthen defense partnership. As part of the visit, DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum hosted an alumni event for Vietnamese graduates of DKI APCSS programs, strengthening professional networks and collaboration on shared security challenges. Read more
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DKI APCSS Director Suzanne Vares-Lum presented a congratulatory letter to distinguished DKI APCSS alumnus General Antonio Nafarrete on the occasion of his appointment as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The presentation took place during her visit to the Philippines, led by Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command.
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