National Security Conference – Latin America at The Citadel
September 30 – October 2, 2026
The Citadel’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences is preparing for its third annual national security conference. This year our focus will be on Latin America, and we want you to attend and participate!
Led by the Political Science and Intelligence & Security Studies Departments, we will bring together the academic, government, and private sector communities to advance discussions and facilitate solutions on a number of national security issues in Latin America. Our panel topics will cover emerging technologies & artificial intelligence, Venezuela, Cuba, China, international drug trafficking, and immigration. Keynote speakers and panelists, who are current government and private sector leaders covering the region, will examine these topics from several perspectives, including technology & AI, intelligence, diplomacy, military, economic, and law enforcement.
Dates: September 30 – October 2, 2026
Location: Capers Hall | The Citadel | Charleston, SC
Background: As with our previous national security conferences on Open Source Intelligence, we seek to advance the Cadets and our graduate students with outside experts from the private sector and government, facilitating solutions confronting the U.S. government and the business community in Latin America.
Full conference program can be found here.
Guest speaker photos and biographies can be found here.
Dress for all events will be business casual.
We will begin with an evening reception on September 30, 5:00pm, where heavy hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. On October 1, we will begin at 8:30am, and will serve breakfast, lunch, and a happy hour and appetizers served around 5:00pm. On October 2, we will begin at 8:30am and end at 11:30am.
Tentative Panels Include:
- Contesting Latin America: China, Russia, and Iran
- National Security Threats at the Intersections of Migration, Cartels, and Illicit Networks
- Cuba and Venezuela: Authoritarian Resilience and Opportunities
- Students Presentations: Intelligence and Security Studies Dept.
- Latin America and The President’s Daily Brief
- Emerging Technologies and AI in Latin America
- The Importance of Liaison Relations in Latin America
- What’s Next for U.S Latin America Relations?
Admission rates for attendees are as follows:
Citadel students, faculty, and staff – free
Students (other academic institutions) – free
General – $25
For more information, please contact:
Alexandra Henry
The Citadel Department of Intelligence and Security Studies
843-953-6886
ahenry4@citadel.edu
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Please contact Page Tisdale at The Citadel Foundation: