Washington Security and Defense Seminar (WSDS)
September 16 - 20, 2013
Application Period: June 15 - September 6, 2013
Fort Lesley J. McNair Map - 2012 Schedule
The 2012 schedule is posted as an example. The 2013 schedule will be posted during the second week of September.
The Washington Security and Defense Seminar allows participants to develop their knowledge and improve their analytical skills about the security and defense environment and the policymaking processes of Washington. During a one-week program, participants identify issues and comprehend the main perspectives on national objectives, preferences on strategies, policy guidelines, and the dynamics of decision-making in a democratic society. In an academic, non-attribution environment, participants have the unique experience of listening to and exchanging ideas with key civilian and military officials and advisors of the Executive Branch, as well as interacting with civilian academic professors working on issues related to the Western Hemisphere. The presence of representatives from the Department of Defense (J-5 and the Office of the Secretary of Defense), the Department of State, the National Security Council, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Congress provides diverse exposure to perspectives, responsibilities, bureaucratic issues, and policy challenges and preferences. The curriculum combines lectures, question-and-answer sessions, and moderated seminar discussions lead by CHDS professors.
The seminar is intended primarily for members of the diplomatic corps of countries from the Western Hemisphere accredited to the White House and/or to the Organization of American States (including nations with OAS observer status), civilian representatives of international organizations, academic researchers, journalists, and military officers based in Washington, D.C. There are no scholarships available for this seminar for anyone wishing to attend that lives outside the Washington, DC area. This seminar is offered mainly in Spanish - with simultaneous interpretation into English - once a year.
For further information, please contact the Registrar’s office at chdsRegistrar@ndu.edu or by fax at 1-202-478-2153 or U.S.A toll free fax at 1-866-294-6374.