Notes from the Field
Student Reflections: International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity
International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP)
17-20 MAR 2025 | Palermo, Sicily
Mission: The IFPSP was founded in 2019 to educate global youth about the challenges of building and maintaining peace, security, and prosperity within liberal democracies in the digital age. The Forum brings civilian youth together with Officer Cadets to explore the role of our militaries in the peace making, peace building and sustaining activities.
Cadet C. Wil Bazant ‘25, Criminal Justice
Takeaways: During my time representing the University in Sicily at the International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity, my experience was colored by two distinct and equally important outlooks. The first was the same sense of pride and brotherhood that I felt for the international cadets we worked with, that I had experienced during our expeditions into the Philippine and Austrian Republics. We were surrounded by the cultivated excellence and refined potential of our partner nations. These cadets were dedicated to their craft, willing to make good on their sworn oaths, and keenly aware of the geopolitical threats that face all of us. I was reminded that cooperation with these men and women in the future during our military careers was not unlikely, and I was grateful for the chance to form these connections early.
My second outlook was a bit more sobering, and therefore important to acknowledge. It was a strong reminder not to be complacent, In some ways, this trip was like having a bucket of cold water poured on me. Our generation would do well to remember that the sense of friendship and security that the United States has radiated since the mid-20th century is not an automated system. It won’t continue to work without our input and effort. I felt that a great deal of my social bandwidth at the conference was spent reassuring and convincing other cadets my age that the United States still stands on the same foundational bedrock of other democratic nations. It would be a shame if we were the first generation in a long while to receive stiff receptions from historically close friends. It is preventable, and entirely within our hands!
It is not for me to say whether our newly revamped foreign policy is the right choice. I can reiterate however that the United States emits more soft influence power onto the Earth than any other nation to have ever existed. We forget our own strength. Our moral compass calibrates that of the rest of the world. We need to remind ourselves of this during every single decision-making cycle. We don’t have the liberty of thinking that our actions are received in a vacuum.
Cadet Sophia Righthouse ‘25, Political Science & English
Introduction: Sophia Righthouse is a graduating senior at Norwich University from San Diego, California. Double majoring in Political Science and English and minoring in Leadership, she is commissioning into the Army upon graduation as a Signal Officer. Currently, Sophia is the Headquarters Executive Officer for the Norwich Army ROTC Pioneer Battalion, a writing coach and mentor for Norwich’s Center for Writing, a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Pi Sigma Alpha, a member of Norwich’s Association of the Regiment, a fellow and Intern for the Norwich Humanities Initiative, and a fellow for the Peace and War Center. For the 2024-25 academic year, she holds the position of Regimental Commander in the Corps of Cadets, leading over 1000 Cadets in daily and future operations.
Takeaway: Power, defense, and weapons. These words come to mind when reflecting and conceptualizing what a present-day influential and dominant military looks like. These words, while they do hold a piece of the puzzle, are far from what makes armed forces powerful. It is not the number of guns and tanks a country owns, how many funds are allocated to technological improvements, or even the training an individual Soldier receives. Curiously, what builds a country's vigor is not internal, and the International Forum for Peace, Security, and Prosperity epitomizes this very conviction. Instead, countries and militaries are built through unity, increasing peace among neighboring countries and countries that reside far and wide from that host nation. It is fostered through friendly interactions, creating fond memories, and bonding over similar experiences. At the IFPSP, I found this very belief to be accurate, as when meeting students and fellow future officers from different nations and military academies than my own, I could not help but feel supported by their culture and country as we grew closer. While we could not be any more different at first glance, throughout the forum, it was clear that when it all boiled down, military officers strive for the same ultimate objective: peace. As I drive on to my military career, this forum will, without a doubt, continuously replay as I am reminded of the importance of prosperous coalitions and that to build a successful military means championing a world with peace, which works in solidarity, encouraging and cultivating amity above all.
Cadet Diego Ledesma, Biology
Takeaway: I am deeply grateful for the extraordinary opportunity that the 2025 International Forum for Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP) provided to connect with exceptional individuals from around the globe. This experience expanded my professional horizons and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. The inspiring environment of Sicily set the stage for meaningful exchanges with Cadets and military leaders through thought-provoking discussions and collaborative activities. Each interaction offered a blend of similarities and distinctions, enriching my understanding of global dynamics despite the challenges posed by language and tradition. This transformative forum reaffirmed its vision of peace and security as the cornerstone of prosperity, equipping me with invaluable lessons in communication and open-mindedness that will profoundly shape my future endeavors.
Cadet Bryan Sciamacco, Computer Security & Information Assurance
Takeaway: I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend the International Forum for Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP). The IFPSP was an incredible opportunity for me to enhance my skills and prepare me for my career in the Air Force. The open discourse that I had with Cadets and Officers from other nations allowed me to better understand their perspective on the current events. The biggest takeaway from this experience was how much we have in common with our allies and partners and the values we share. After my time at the IFPSP I can say confidently the future is bright with the exceptional future leaders from across the globe.
Cadet Grey Cavallaro ‘25, Management
Introduction: Johnathan Cavallaro is a Senior at Norwich University from Magnolia, Texas majoring in Management with a concentration in Leadership. He is contracted and will be commissioned into the US Army as an Engineer officer upon graduation. Johnathan is a Battalion Commander in the Corps of Cadets, and Commander of Norwich Ranger Company. Last year Johnathan interned at the US Army Special Operations Command before attending training with US Army Special Forces.
Takeaway: The IFPSP offered me something that no other event has, the opportunity to talk with and learn from cadets of other nation. This experience is invaluable for a future officer to have and has afforded me a new perspective on many key topics. Beyond the informative talks on war and peace that were brought to us by experts in the field, IFPSP gave us cadets plenty of time to take what we had learned, in the conference and outside, and share it with likeminded individuals from across the world. Through this, I have also had the opportunity to connect with several people across the globe, who I hope to connect with again in the future. Overall, this experience has given me a new prospective as a future officer not only in matters of peace and security but in foreign relations and new ideas.
Cadet Leslie Malin ‘27, Criminology
Introduction: I am CDT Malin from Brooklyn, NY; I am sophomore at Norwich University. I am majoring in Criminology, with minors in Pre-Law, Forensics Psychology, and Intelligence and Crime Analysis, while also concentrating in Criminal Forensics and Military Studies Army. I am a 3-year AROTC national scholarship winner, contracted to be commissioned into the US Army upon graduation. At Norwich, I am a part of the Women’s Varsity Rugby Team, President of the Women’s Wrestling Club, Vice-President of the Black Student Union (BSU), and Treasurer of Divine Beauties. In the Corps of Cadets, I am an Information Products Cpl in PAO.
Takeaway: Being chosen to attend this year’s IFPSP, whilst being able to represent Norwich University was truly a blessing. This experience has opened my eyes in the best way possible, teaching me how to become a better leader. This cross-cultural experience has taught me the importance of listening and understanding each other's points of view and being more open to other ideas in order to be able to efficiently resolve conflicts together. As an officer in the United States Army, this will help me interact with other militaries from overseas. On a more personal level, this has helped me appreciate the beauty of differences, as every culture is unique in its own way. Being able to connect with all different kinds of people and being able to appreciate and acknowledge what each individual brought to the table was an astonishing and wholesome experience that I am very greatly grateful to have been a part of.
Cadet Greyson Merola, Criminal Justice
Takeaways: My recent experience at the International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity was one that not only shaped the way I think, but may also impact my actions as a future leader. The abundant learning, reflecting, and interaction left me fascinated. My time in Palermo, Sicily, proved to be an unforgettable experience for multiple reasons.
Firstly, the variety of the content presented during the forum was impactful. When hearing from Cadets across the world, the differences in our journeys became abundantly clear. This became apparent when speaking with Ukrainian Cadets during the forum’s reception. They later presented their research, and I soon realized that the reality of warfare is better understood by some of us than others. Additionally, many Cadets prioritized researching phenomenon related to the VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, Ambiguity) world. For example, the Filipino Cadets presented about the VUCA world post COVID-19. I believe that while we, as American Cadets, understand what the VUCA world is, our immersion into this atmosphere may be much different than that of international partners.
A second takeaway that continues to resonate with me is the power of recently formed alliances. Despite direct conflict with some of these nations just 80 years ago, the United States has now formed some of the strongest military agreements in the world with nations of various continents. However, men, women, and children continue to shed blood across the world due to unresolved conflicts stretching over thousands of years. We must recognize the value of the relationships we have with other nations and cherish them. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of my time in Italy was spending time with other Cadets in our free time. I do not take this experience for granted and will continue to foster these relationships.
I am extremely fortunate to have been able to represent the United States in an international setting. By speaking with fellow Cadets, I learned lessons that I never would have otherwise. I am excited to see how our friendships continue to grow in the near future and aspire to contribute to this process.