From 6–14 April 2025, the Near East South Asia (NESA) Center for Strategic Studies hosted an Education and Research Seminar in Washington, D.C for Qatar’s Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies. The 22 participants included military officers and members from various Qatari government agencies.

Professor David Des Roches led the course, which introduced participants to the organization of the U.S. government and U.S. security structures. The course also presented key military partners to the U.S. government and security institutions’ best practices toward regional security challenges.

Topics discussed included the Russia–Ukraine War, U.S.–Iran relations, developments in warfare, Iran and regional developments, current U.S. domestic and defense priorities, and the Middle East peace process. Towards the middle of the program, the group participated in a U.S. Capitol Tour with Hon. James Moran and a tour of the U.S. Library of Congress. There were also presentations on different government agencies. Overall, the program provided the opportunity for senior Qataris to communicate and form professional relationships, assisting in enhancing long-term security and stability. The seminar was conducted under the Chatham House Rule of non-attribution to ensure open discussion.