On 12 February 2025, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies celebrated its 25th anniversary with a special Washington Seminar that featured Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn (USAF-Retired), 17th President of the National Defense University, as its keynote speaker. The seminar was marked by a gathering of distinguished guests, including past NESA Center Directors, esteemed faculty, dedicated staff, and members of the Washington Diplomatic community and U.S. Government.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from NESA Center Director Ambassador John Desrocher, who highlighted the significant milestones and achievements of the NESA Center over the past quarter-century. In his remarks, the Director emphasized the NESA Center’s foundational role in fostering international partnerships and strategic engagement. Since its inaugural seminar in October 2000, the Center has conducted 1,239 programs; influencing the careers and perspectives of thousands of security professionals and providing vital support to United States policy and influence in the NESA region. Ambassador Desrocher expressed his gratitude to past NESA Center Directors, who played a pivotal role in guiding the Center’s mission since its founding:

• Ambassador Alina Romanowski, 2000–2003
• Rear Admiral (Ret.) John Sigler, 2003–2006
• Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Barno, 2006–2010
• Ambassador James Larocco, 2010–2013
• Lieutenant General (Ret.) Terry Wolff, 2014–2023

NESA Center Director Ambassador John Desrocher (at podium) introducing past NESA Center Directors, Ambassador James Larocco (left), Ambassador Alina Romanowski (center), and Lieutenant General (Ret.) Terry Wolff (right).

The Washington Seminar featured a moderated discussion on Opportunities, Challenges, and Successes in the Region with Keynote Speaker Lieutenant General Michael T. Plehn and NESA Center Associate Dean Charles Marks. General Plehn shared valuable insights into the evolving geopolitical landscape across the Near East and South Asia and the critical role of strategic dialogue in addressing regional security issues. 

The NESA Center’s alumni network, which now includes 14,443 members from 141 countries, was celebrated as one of the institution’s greatest strengths. Ambassador Desrocher highlighted the steady growth of the Center’s programs and expressed optimism about the future, emphasizing the Center’s commitment to leveraging technology, expanding partnerships, and maintaining the cutting edge of strategic education.   

In recognition of this milestone, the NESA Center debuted a video that captures the essence of the NESA Center’s history, impact, and aspirations for the years ahead, and celebrates the many contributions of its past and present leaders.

The NESA Center extends its heartfelt thanks to its entire community over the last 25 years for their unwavering support and dedication to the shared mission of fostering understanding, building capacity, and supporting a more secure and stable world.

The views presented in this article are those of the speaker or author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its components.