The security environment in our area of focus has changed significantly during the past decade. Although border tensions have not been completely eliminated, the traditional threat of nations attacking neighbors with military force has diminished dramatically.

Increasingly, asymmetric threats posed by non-state actors attempting to exploit nations’ vulnerabilities have supplanted conventional force-on-force challenges.

In response to the events of September 11, 2001, the President’s National Security Strategy of the United States of America established that, “Defending our Nation against its enemies is the first and fundamental commitment of the Federal government.”

The forward defense of the U.S. can best be accomplished through the broad cooperation of partner nations. SOUTHCOM must strengthen existing relationships and establish regional partnerships necessary to provide collective security across the broad spectrum of threats facing peaceful nations in the region. Coalitions and regional partnerships comprised of capable and willing nations build mutual security, deter aggression and extremism, and provide the underlying conditions for success if military action is required.

Strong regional partnerships will enable SOUTHCOM and our partner nations to enhance hemispheric stability and security. The stability and security of the U.S. and partner nations hinge upon our ability to work together in a mutual effort to confront and defeat common security challenges. Focused regional security cooperation is key to building interoperability and other capabilities required to confront challenges before they mature into direct threats.