The College of International Security Affairs

09/07/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Publication | Colonel Thokozani Andrew Chazema

We are proud to recognize Colonel Thokozani Andrew Chazema (CISA Class of 2026) for his publication, "Strategic Equilibrium in Civil-Military Relations: Insights from Malawi's Democratic Transition," published in the International and Public Affairs Journal.

Drawing on research conducted across Malawi's judiciary, legislature, civil society, and defense institutions, COL Chazema examines how democratic accountability and military professionalism can be balanced through effective institutional relationships. His study introduces the Rhombus Diamond Framework as a practical model for strengthening democratic oversight, constitutional governance, and resilient civil-military relations in transitional democracies.

This publication exemplifies the intellectual rigor and policy relevance that define CISA's students and alumni.

Congratulations to COL Chazema on another outstanding publication—we look forward to following his continued research. 👏

🔗 Read more here: https://cisa.ndu.edu/Alumni/Alumni-Publications/Alumni-publications-view/Article/4360688/col-thokozani-chazema-cisa-class-of-2026-strategic-equilibrium-in-civil-militar/

09/04/2026

🎓 ACES 2026 | A Week of Partnership and Exchange

ACES 2026 has come to a close in Seoul, South Korea, bringing together an exceptional community of NDU alumni from around the world for a week of learning, engagement, and exchange.

From visits that connected participants with the history of U.S. and South Korean military service and partnership to discussions with NDU faculty and senior leaders, the week highlighted the enduring value of the relationships built through professional military education.

We are grateful to the alumni who traveled from 36 countries to reconnect with NDU and one another, share their perspectives, and strengthen the enduring partnerships that contribute to international peace, security, and shared strength.

Thank you to our participants, observers, faculty, staff, partners, and supporters for making ACES 2026 a success. We can’t wait to share more highlights from an incredible week soon!

09/03/2026

🌎 International Fellows Hall of Fame | ACES 2026

The National Defense University just reached a major milestone — welcoming its 100th, 101st, and 102nd distinguished alumni into the International Fellows Hall of Fame.

Vice Admiral Pete Garvin, President of the National Defense University, inducted:

✨ Brigadier General Asariel Loria | Chief of Defence Staff, Ministry of National Defence and Border Security | Belize | College of International Security Affairs, Class of 2009

✨ Vice Admiral Juan Bienvenido Crisóstomo Martínez | Commander General of the Navy | Dominican Republic | Joint Forces Staff College, Class of 2006

✨ Brigadier General Simon Ndour | Chief of Staff of the Army | Senegal | National War College, Class of 2022

These three leaders mark a major milestone for the International Fellows Hall of Fame as its 100th, 101st, and 102nd inductees. Their induction adds to a distinguished cohort of alumni who have risen to senior leadership positions in their countries’ governments and armed forces and made enduring contributions to international peace and security — a testament to the strength and lasting impact of NDU’s international partnerships.

Today, more than 5,000 international alumni form a powerful global network that strengthens relationships, enables effective joint and combined operations, and creates significant channels of access and influence with senior foreign leaders — particularly in times of crisis.

100 got us here. 101 and 102 keep the legacy growing. And the next generation is already stepping up.

Congratulations to our newest Hall of Fame inductees, and to the alumni, faculty, staff, and partners who have helped build this extraordinary international network!

Here’s to the next 100!

09/02/2026

💡 Faculty Spotlight | Africa Defense College Forum

Dean Matthew Woessner, Dr. Ian Edgerly, and Dr. Matthew Dearing represented CISA at the Africa Defense College Forum in Kenitra, Morocco, held July 13–16 and co-hosted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies and the Royal College of Higher Military Education.

The forum brought together representatives from 17 African defense colleges and five U.S. professional military education institutions to exchange ideas on strengthening the education and development of senior military and civilian national security leaders.

Throughout the event, the CISA team strengthened relationships with current and prospective international partners, including discussions with leaders from the Tunisian, Egyptian, and Nigerian defense colleges on opportunities for future collaboration in irregular warfare education. The conference also provided valuable insight into emerging trends in African professional military education, including hybrid threats, strategic competition, governance, curriculum modernization, and the growing role of artificial intelligence.

Participation in forums like this reinforces CISA's commitment to building enduring international partnerships, advancing irregular warfare education, and contributing to the global exchange of ideas on contemporary security challenges.

09/01/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Promotion | Mr. Noor Hisam Bin Nordin

We are proud to share that Mr. Noor Hisam Bin Nordin (CISA Class of 2018) has been promoted to Director of Crime Prevention and Community Safety for the Royal Malaysia Police Force.

This federal-level appointment carries nationwide responsibility for advancing crime prevention initiatives and strengthening community safety throughout Malaysia. It reflects Mr. Noor Hisam's distinguished leadership, dedicated public service, and continued commitment to national security.

Congratulations to Mr. Noor Hisam Bin Nordin on this well-deserved promotion. We wish him continued success in his new role.

08/31/2026

ACES 2026 is underway – the week has officially kicked off in Seoul, South Korea!

We’re excited to welcome our distinguished alumni from 6 geographic combatant commands and come together for a week of learning, discussion, and engagement with fellow leaders from across the globe. Stay tuned for more from ACES 2026!

08/28/2026

During a recent visit to the U.S. Naval Academy, Dr. Hassan Abbas had the opportunity to reconnect with CISA alumnus Ross Conley.

These moments of connection reflect the enduring relationships built through CISA and the value of our global network of alumni, faculty, and security professionals. We are always proud to see members of the CISA community continuing to engage, collaborate, and support one another throughout their careers.

08/26/2026

Beyond the classroom, National Defense University graduates build relationships with their fellow alumni – across all colleges and components – including officers from across the services, civilians from the various inter-agencies, and International Fellows from around the world.

When reconnecting with the NDU community for the Alumni Continuing Education Seminar (ACES), alumni reengage with their fellow classmates, strengthening these bonds, and ultimately help advance shared security interests.

Built into the ACES schedule are opportunities for networking, including programming exploring the local culture of South Korea and an International Fellows Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Together, participants will celebrate their accomplishments, NDU’s 50th anniversary, JFSC’s 80th anniversary, and the USA’s 250th anniversary.

Networking is a key part of the theme of Enduring Partnerships | Shared Strength. We can't wait to see you next week!

Take a look back on ACESS 2025 in Washington, D.C., and stay connected to hear more about ACES 2026, and for announcements about future ACES participation.

Watch last year's ACESS 2025 highlight video here: https://youtu.be/uLngyvxQDZM?si=To6d1ROAtE29kmrZ

National Defense University's (NDU) Alumni Continuing Education Sec...

08/24/2026

🦅🎓 Alumni Publication | COL James Armstrong

We are proud to recognize COL James Armstrong (CISA Class of 2026) for his publication, "Burma: An Irregular War Consigned to the Shadows," featured in Counterterrorism: The Journal of Counterterrorism and Homeland Security International.

The article examines the ongoing conflict in Burma, highlighting the enduring role of irregular warfare and the strategic implications of a conflict that often receives limited international attention. Through his analysis, COL Armstrong sheds light on the complexities of modern insurgency and regional security dynamics.

This publication exemplifies the thoughtful scholarship and operational insight that CISA students contribute to today's most pressing security challenges.

Congratulations to COL Armstrong on this accomplishment—we look forward to following his future research. 👏

🔗 Read more here: https://cisa.ndu.edu/Alumni/Alumni-Publications/Alumni-publications-view/Article/4447121/ltcol-james-r-armstrong-class-of-2026-burma-an-irregular-war-consigned-to-the-s/

08/21/2026

During the Paris Defence and Strategy Forum, Dr. Andrew Novo and Dr. Peter Thompson presented CISA research and engaged with international partners, helping strengthen CISA's relationship with the Institute for Strategic Research of the Military School (IRSEM) and laying the foundation for future collaboration.

The forum also provided an opportunity to reconnect with CISA alumnus COL Tomislav Ciric, now serving as the Serbian Defense Attaché in Paris. It was a pleasure to hear about his continued service and to reconnect as part of CISA's growing global alumni network.

Our alumni continue to represent CISA and NDU around the world, strengthening partnerships and advancing international security through their leadership.