A Luncheon and Discussion:
On
"Maritime Challenges in an Era of Global Change"
With
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro
78th Secretary of the Navy
The Navy understands that the ability to project its power across the entire globe is essential for U.S. foreign policy. From the growing tactical instability in the Middle Eastern Straight of Hormuz, to the territorial aggrandizement of China's nine-dashed line, to the melting of polar ice opening new sea lanes at the poles, maritime challenges grow daily, and are demonstrative of the scale at which the United States Navy is beholden to logistical demands. As the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Charles Del Toro has been at the tip of the trident, and will explore how these flashpoints may develop, and how the United States is prepared to deal with present and future danger. Please join us to hear from SECNAV Del Toro on the future of U.S. Naval hegemony, as well as the chance to ask him your own question.
JOIN US:
Date: Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.
Venue: Capital City Club (downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
You Must Register in Advance to Attend
Registration Closes Monday, May 11th, at 10 am
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
Meet SECNAV Charles Del Toro
The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary to the Navy, served a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. His 22 year naval career included a series of critical appointments and numerous tours of duty at sea— including first Commanding Officer of the guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG-84); Senior Executive Assistant to the Director for Program Analysis and Evaluation in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; Special Assistant to the Director and Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget where he helped oversee the budgets of the DOD, U.S. Department of State, the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Reconnaissance Office, and the Peace Corps.
Del Toro was appointed to be the 78th Secretary of the Navy by President Biden on August 9th, 2021. As SECNAV he was responsible for over 900,000 sailors, marines, reservists, civilian personnel, and an annual budget exceeding $210 billion. His priorities included securing the training and equipment on which successful naval operations demand, and addressed one of the most pressing challenges confronting the U.S. Navy: China's rising naval ambitions. SECNAV Del Toro led the Department of the Navy through its largest modernization effort in 50 years, and advocated for "National Maritime Statecraft", which argues for the revitalization of American Naval power and focused on deterrent strategies against China.
Please Note:
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For questions about or difficulties in registering for the event, please contact: registrar@atlantacir.org
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By registering, I understand that photos and/or video may be taken at this program and agree that these materials may be used for promotional purposes. Please contact the programming team with questions: registrar@atlantacir.org
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To contact Member Services click on membership@atlantacir.org
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Members are welcome to bring guests at member rates. The same guest may only be invited once at member rates. Select "One time Guest of Member", when registering.
Thank you for supporting ACIR with your attendance.
ACIR 2026 Sponsors
Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP
Barnes & Thornburg
Center for International Business Education and Research
ACIR Strategic Partners
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs,
Georgia Institute of Technology
Center for International Business Education and Research
(CIBER)
Institutional Members
Georgia Institute of Technology
Kennesaw State University
University of North Georgia
ACIR is a Community Partner of the
Association of the U.S. Army
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For more information:
Visit: www.atlantacir.org
Contact: info@atlantacir.org
Atlanta Council on International Relations
921 Monroe Drive, Suite A102-421, Atlanta, GA 30308
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Photo credit: NATO Innovation hubj
China Cognitive Warfare
with
Josh Baughman, US National Defense University
Cognitive Warfare is seen as its own domain in modern warfare alongside the four military domains defined by their environment (land, maritime, air and space) and the cyber domain connects them all. Cognitive Warfare operates on a global stage as we are all digitally connected and uses information technology and the tools, machines, networks and systems to seek out it's target: intelligence.
China, as a strategic competitor to NATO, describes Cognitive Warfare as the use of public opinion, psychological operations, and legal influence to achieve victory. Combat psychology has significant impact on the warfighter's ability to function with a focus on recording facial information, emotional changes and psychological states of soldiers to determine their combat status. Outside of the battlefield, influence can also affect law, rule-of-order and civil constructs.
JOIN US:
Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.
Venue: Capital City Club (downtown)
7 John Portman Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Parking: Complimentary valet parking is available
Cancellation Policy: If you need to cancel, please do so not later than 48 hours before the event. ACIR is charged for your meal, so no refund can be provided.
