Alvin Holsey Testifies on Threats to the Western Hemisphere at SOUTHCOM Hearing

Threats to the Western Hemisphere

• 🎯 Alvin Holsey, 33rd Commander of United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), testified on the strategic importance of the Western Hemisphere and the threats it faces.
• ⚠️ Key threats identified include strategic competition from China and Russia, transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), irregular migration, natural disasters, eroding democracies, and food/water insecurity.

China and Russia's Influence

• 🇨🇳 China is described as the pacing threat, methodically increasing its diplomatic, informational, military, and economic influence to export its authoritarian model.
• 📈 China's predatory investments, resource extraction, and dual-use projects in ports and space threaten partner security and U.S. national security.
• 🇷🇺 Russia supports regimes like Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela through disinformation, military engagements, and arms sales, aiming to undermine U.S. leadership.

Transnational Criminal Organizations and Border Security

• ⚖️ TCOs exploit permissive environments, engaging in violence and illicit trafficking, undermining the rule of law and disrupting legitimate government functions.
• 🆘 SOUTHCOM recently established Joint Task Force Sentinel Guard at Guantanamo Bay to provide care for illegal aliens, supporting Department of Homeland Security efforts.

The Importance of Partnerships

• 🤝 Partnerships are highlighted as the most effective approach to countering shared security and economic concerns in the region.
• ✅ To be a trusted partner, the U.S. must be credible, present, and engaged, fostering enduring trust and enabling partners to prefer working with the U.S. over other nations.
• 🛠️ Sustained investment in security cooperation, joint exercises, and disaster assistance enables innovation and rapid response to crises, building partner capability and capacity.