A CONVERSATION WITH GENERAL LAURA J. RICHARDSON ON SECURITY ACROSS THE AMERICAS - As the National Defense Strategy notes, a stable Western hemisphere serves US national security imperatives. Yet, Latin America and the Caribbean—a region of global importance with longstanding historical, cultural, economic, security, and diplomatic ties to the United States—is grappling with new security risks. As China increases its influence in the region, Russia is meddling in regional politics and employing disinformation to undermine US partnerships. Meanwhile, climate and humanitarian challenges further undermine regional stability and threaten US homeland security.

US Southern Command plays a critical role in bolstering Latin American and Caribbean security, building national and international ties to advance US leadership. With a rich history of partnership, the combatant command has also contributed extensively to regional humanitarian efforts and recently celebrated twenty-five years of its Human Rights Initiative. What new strategies can US Southern Command deploy to promote security and prosperity within the Latin American and Caribbean theater? This event explored General Richardson’s priorities to strengthen partnerships and counter threats and challenges impacting regional security.

On January 19, the Commander of US Southern Command General Laura J. Richardson joined us in conversation with NBC national security and military correspondent Courtney Kube to discuss how US Southern Command is responding to strategic threats facing the region.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 01/19/23