Security, Conflict, and Migration in the Americas

with Albert “Jim” Marckwardt, Americas Focus Area Faculty Co-Lead at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Professor Inter-American Defense College

In a series of executive actions, the current U.S. administration declared national emergencies related to migration and drug trafficking. Active-duty troops were sent to the border with Mexico, economic pressure was applied, and threats of direct military action were made. This environment is further complicated by the presence of China and Russia in the region, who partner with states like Nicaragua and Venezuela. Is the current U.S. strategy toward the region effective? Can enduring transnational threats be resolved? Jim Marckwardt, a retired U.S. Army Foreign Area Officer and professor at the Inter-American Defense College, will provide his thoughts on the evolution of security threats in the Western Hemisphere and potential solutions.

Bio

Dr. Marckwardt serves as faculty co-lead for the Americas at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. In addition, he serves as Professor of Strategy and Defense at the Inter-American Defense College. A retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and Foreign Area Officer, Dr. Marckwardt served for over 29 years in a range of policy and security cooperation positions. His prior roles include Country Director for Colombia and Venezuela at the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy; Political-Military Advisor and Liaison Office Director at the U.S. Embassy in Honduras for Joint Task Force–Bravo; and Senior Leader Engagement Officer for Mexico at U.S. Army North. Earlier in his career, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Armor Officer in command and staff roles. While in Iraq he co-authored a book The Defense of Jisr al-Doreaa, the premiere tactical primer on counterinsurgency for junior leaders.

Dr. Marckwardt earned his Doctor of International Affairs and Master of International Public Policy degrees at Johns Hopkins SAIS. He is also a graduate of Argentina’s Escuela Superior de Guerra. His research and writings have appeared in Joint Forces Quarterly, Small Wars Journal, and other outlets, focused on regional security, institutional reform, and military diplomacy. 

Looking for more from guest speaker Albert Marckwardt?

Explore more here