U.S. Under Secretary Elbridge Colby Speaks at Cusco Defense Summit | Americas Security

 U.S. Official Delivers Stark Warning on Hemispheric Security at Cusco Defense Summit

Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby addresses regional leaders, emphasizing shared responsibility and strategic cooperation amid evolving threats.

CUSCO, Peru – In a powerful address to the 17th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CMDA) on Wednesday, U.S. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby delivered a clear and strategic message on the future of hemispheric defense, calling for a united front against common adversaries and emphasizing the importance of burden-sharing among allies .

Speaking in the historic Incan capital—a city symbolic of both ancient strength and resilience—Colby framed the current geopolitical climate as one requiring sober assessment and decisive action . His remarks come at a pivotal moment as defense leaders from across the Western Hemisphere gather in Cusco to grapple with threats ranging from transnational organized crime to the strategic competition posed by revisionist powers.

A Call for Cohesion Amidst Global Strain

Colby, who serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary of War and is the architect behind the 2018 National Defense Strategy that refocused U.S. priorities on great power competition, used his platform to stress that the "security of the Americas is not a given" . He urged ministers to look beyond immediate crises and consider the long-term strategic architecture of the region.

"He emphasized that the U.S. views this forum as a priority for the Trump Administration, highlighting that cooperation is essential to countering threats that respect no borders," a senior defense official noted during the session .

The conference, hosted by Peruvian Defense Minister Amadeo Flores, brought together over 30 delegations . It has served as a crucial venue for reaffirming commitments to democracy, human rights, and mutual defense—principles that Colby argued must be backed by tangible capabilities and political will .

The "Strategy of Denial" on a Hemispheric Scale

Colby’s worldview, heavily influenced by his book The Strategy of Denial, which focuses on preparing the U.S. for conflict with China, appears to have a corollary in the Western Hemisphere: the necessity of "denying" space for malign influence .

In his prepared remarks, Colby noted that while the geography of the Americas provides a natural barrier, "adversaries are working to erode our influence through economic coercion, cyber intrusions, and political subversion." He called for member states to modernize their forces, share intelligence more fluidly, and ensure that critical infrastructure is resilient to attacks .

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His tone struck a balance between urgency and reassurance, aligning with the conference's overarching theme of "regional cooperation as key to a secure region" .

A Historic Setting for a Modern Dialogue

The choice of Cusco as the host city is rich with symbolism. As the former capital of the Inca Empire and a UNESCO World Heritage site, it represents a confluence of history, culture, and endurance . Colby acknowledged this backdrop, noting that "we meet in the shadow of ancient walls that remind us of what is built when people unite for a common purpose."

Minister Flores, who welcomed delegations at the Qorikancha temple, echoed this sentiment, stressing that "the only way to overcome these challenges is by remaining united" . The resulting Cusco Declaration is expected to outline concrete actions to combat drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and cyber threats, signaling a "shared vision of security" for the hemisphere .

Looking Ahead

As the conference concludes, Colby’s remarks are likely to serve as a reference point for U.S. defense policy in the region. By prioritizing a coalition of "like-minded nations," the U.S. is signaling a shift toward a more structured alliance framework, expecting regional partners to step up alongside American resources.

"We cannot afford to be complacent," Colby stated in his closing remarks. "Security in the Americas requires vigilance, investment, and—above all—partnership."