The Global Security in the 21st Century Certificate Program, designed by the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy at Florida International University (FIU), aims to enhance the skills and knowledge of practitioners in the NGO, government, and civil society sectors. 

This intensive program offers a comprehensive overview of the national security landscape, equipping participants with the tools to align development projects with broader security goals. The course will be led by distinguished professionals, including retired four-star Admiral Craig Faller and retired two-star General John Wharton, and will feature interactions with current and former national security practitioners and academics. 

Program Instructors

  • Admiral Craig Faller
    Senior Fellow, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Dr. Mark Rosenberg
    Senior Fellow, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Leland Lazarus
    Associate Director of National Security Policy, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Liliana Ayalde
    Former U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Paraguay. CSIS, Senior Adviser, Americas Program
  • Sandra Quincoses
    Professor, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Melissa Medina
    eMerge Americas
  • Gabriela Hoberman
    Director of Academic Programs, Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center
  • Dewardric McNeal
    Managing Director and Senior Policy Analysts, Longview Global, LLC
  • Livia Wagner
    Network Coordinator and Senior Expert, Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
  • Monty McGee

    Edison Electric Institute
  • Major General John Whorton
    Senior Fellow, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy
  • Matt Herbert
    Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime
  • Eric Lob
    Professor, Steven J. Green School of International & Public Affairs
  • Maria Donoso
    Director of International Programs, FIU Institute of Environment
  • Dui Turner
    Senior Fellow, Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy

General Objectives for the Global Security Certificate Program 

  1. Develop a Comprehensive Understanding of National Security: Equip participants with a deep understanding of the interplay between development, defense, and diplomacy. We will also cover the roles and responsibilities of U.S. intelligence agencies, great power competition, climate challenges, and violent non-state actors.
  2. Enhance Strategic and Analytical Skills: Provide advanced insights into the strategic, policy, and operational dimensions of national security. Through guided discussions, interactive workshops, and case studies, participants will enhance their ability to analyze complex security environments, understand the interplay between policy and operational practices, and develop innovative solutions to emerging security challenges.
  3. Foster Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Networking: Promote the exchange of best practices and innovative solutions among practitioners from NGOs, government, and civil society sectors. 

Modules 

  1. Exploring the Interplay Between Development, Defense, and Diplomacy
  2. Great Power Competition and Other Nation-State Actors
  3. Cyberspace, Information Operations, and Artificial Intelligence
  4. Violent Non-State Actors
  5. Women, Peace and Security, Energy, and Environment

 

Program Agenda

Monday, October 21st, 2024

Module 1: Defining National Security/Interests and Intelligence

8:00 - 9:00Breakfast
9:00 - 9:15Welcome and Opening Remarks: Global Trends in Global Security
9:15 - 9:30Program Overview
9:30 - 10:00Coffee Break
10:30 - 11:30Defining National Interests: Role of Policy, Process, People, and Institutions
11:30 - 13:00Lunch
13:00 - 14:15Inter-agency Cooperation “In the Field”
14:15 - 14:30Coffee Break
14:30 - 15:45Intelligence and National Security- An Overview of the 18 U.S. Intelligence Agencies and Roles
15:45 - 17:00Artificial Intelligence and the Future of National Security
18:00 - 21:00Welcome Reception

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024

Module 2: Great Power Competition and Other Nation-State Actors

8:00 - 9:00Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15A Changing World Order: To a New Multipolarity
10:15 - 10:30Coffee Break
10:30 - 11:45The Future of U.S.- China Strategic Competition
11:45 - 13:00Lunch
13:00 - 14:15The Spoilers: Rogue State Actors in the International Arena
14:15 - 14:30Coffee Break

Module 3: Cyberspace, Information Operations, and Emerging Technology

14:30 - 15:45Cybersecurity and Governance
15:45 - 16:00Coffee Break
16:00 - 17:15Emerging Threats with Emerging Technology

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

Module 4: Violent Non-State Actors

8:00 - 9:00Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15

Transnational Criminal Organizations

10:15 - 10:30Coffee Break
10:30 - 11:45Violent Extremist Organizations
11:45 - 13:00Lunch

Module 5: Women, Peace and Security, Energy, and Environmental

13:00 - 14:15Women, Peace and Security
14:15 - 14:30Coffee Break
14:30 - 15:45Critical Minerals and Environmental Security

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

Presentations, Closing of the Program, and Cultural Day

8:00 - 9:00Breakfast
9:00 - 10:15Faculty, FIU students, and interagency leaders will attend a series of presentations focusing on national security challenges. First three group presentations. Each presentation will last 25 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated for discussion, followed by a 10-minute question-and-answer session.
10:15 - 10:30Coffee Break
10:30 - 11:45Last 3 group presentations. Each presentation will last for 25 minutes, comprising 15 minutes of discussion followed by a 10-minute question and answer session.
11:45 - 12:00Coffee Break
12:00 - 13:00Delivery of Certificates of Participation and Closing of the Program