Notes from the Field
Student Reflections: International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity
International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP)
22-25 MAR 2026| 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.
Sawyer Hernandez
I traveled to Palermo, Italy as part of a Norwich University delegation attending the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP). The delegation consisted of six cadets, and for me, this experience was particularly meaningful as it was my first time traveling abroad in an academic setting with peers, aside from a prior military trip to Macedonia. Traveling with Norwich and engaging alongside other students fundamentally changed how I viewed international experiences.
The forum itself was structured as a four-night, three-day conference. The first evening began with a reception, followed by two days of panels, workshops, and collaborative discussions. The primary focus centered on leadership development, particularly resilience and emotional intelligence. One of the most significant takeaways for me was the concept of multi-domain resilience--understanding that resilience is not simply a personal trait, but a strategic asset that must be developed across psychological, informational, and organizational domains, especially in an era shaped by cognitive and information warfare.
While the conference was formally organized, what stood out most was how informal and relationship-driven the experience became. Rather than focusing heavily on rigid geopolitical debate, the forum emphasized dialogue, connection, and shared understanding among participants from different countries.
This image reflects the informal side of the experience, where relationship-building and social interaction played a central role in developing trust and connection among the conference participants.
This experience will significantly impact my development as a leader by reinforcing the importance of adaptability in communication and engagement, I entered the forum expecting structured, potentially contentious discussions on contemporary geopolitical issues; however, I quickly realized that effective collaboration across cultures requires a different approach.
I observed clear differences in communication styles. I found myself to be more direct and relaxed, while others--particularly participants from Germany and Sweden--demonstrated a more formal and measured approach. Rather than forcing my style, I worked to meet people where they were, adjusting my tone and delivery to better align with their expectations while still maintaining authenticity.
In many of the group discussions, I naturally assumed the role of facilitator. While I was not necessarily the most knowledgeable person in the room, I often had the confidence to initiate dialogue, keep conversations moving, and ensure all voices were included. This experience reinforced an important leadership lesson: effective leadership is not about dominating discussion, but about enabling others to contribute.
Additionally, I became acutely aware that I was not the smartest person in the room--and that was one of the most valuable aspects of the experience. It pushed me to listen more intentionally, prioritize understanding over speaking, and recognize the depth of knowledge others brought to the table.
This image represents structured collaboration, where diverse perspectives were brought together to address complex problems through dialogue and mutual respect.
One of the most impactful moments of the trip occurred during a conversation with a member of the British delegation, Rabab, a Cambridge RAF student of Moroccan descent.
This image captures the conclusion of that interaction. What appears to be a simple handshake actually represents a meaningful intellectual exchange. During our conversation, we discussed U.S. foreign policy and the future of NATO. I initially argued in favor of the importance of a rules-based international order, while she countered with the perspective that such an order is already largely illusory.
She articulated her position with a level of clarity and depth that ultimately led me to concede the argument. That moment--captured in the handshake--symbolized mutual respect, intellectual humility, and the value of being challenged.
This interaction reinforced that leadership is not about always being correct, but about being willing to engage, listen, and adapt when presented with stronger perspectives. It also demonstrated that disagreement, when conducted respectfully, can lead to meaningful understanding rather than division.
Beyond the conference, Palermo itself provided a powerful cultural experience.
The statue of Neptune, located in the Palermo Botanical Gardens, represents the deep historical and mythological roots embedded within the city. Palermo’s architecture and public spaces reflect centuries of layered influence--Norman, Roman, African, and Mediterranean--which made the city feel both historically dense and culturally diverse.
This sense of history was further reinforced through experiences such as visiting the catacombs, where it became clear that Palermo is not only an old city, but one that has carried significance and continuity across generations.
This image captures a religious procession leading up to Easter, depicting a reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion. While my group initially reacted with some discomfort due to the graphic nature of the display, I found the experience deeply compelling. It was a vivid example of how cultural and religious traditions remain actively integrated into daily life.
Seeing the level of detail, investment, and community participation highlighted how deeply these traditions matter to the local population. It reinforced the idea that culture is not abstract--it is lived, visible, and often deeply emotional.
Throughout the trip, I spent a significant amount of time with members of my delegation, particularly close friends from Norwich. These informal moments--whether at dinners or social gatherings--were just as impactful as the formal sessions. These interactions allowed us to reflect on our experiences, share perspectives, and recognize how similar we were to the individuals we met from other countries. Despite different national backgrounds, there was a clear commonality in our interests, values, and motivations.
This realization challenged my preconceived notions about cultural differences. While I initially expected more rigidity or separation, I found that we were far more similar than different--especially as young leaders preparing for similar roles. The Palermo experience fundamentally reshaped my perspective on leadership, communication, and cultural understanding. It reinforced that effective leadership requires empathy, adaptability, and the ability to recognize shared humanity across diverse groups.
If I were to summarize the value of this experience, it would be this: exposure to different perspectives reduces intellectual narrowness and forces growth. It becomes immediately clear how limited a single perspective can be, and how much can be gained by actively listening to others. Moving forward, I will prioritize empathy and intentional listening in my leadership approach. Understanding that there is a commonality in every person--and leveraging that understanding--will allow me to lead more effectively in diverse and complex environments.
Cadet Forrester Belanger NU 26’, SWAP and History
From March 20 to March 27, 2026, I traveled to Palermo, Italy, as part of a ten-cadet delegation from Norwich University to participate in the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity (IFPSP). The forum, themed “Creating Adaptive Forces: Building Military Resilience in a Changing International Landscape,” provided the opportunity to explore “multi-domain resilience,” the idea that resilience is a strategic asset developed across psychological, informational, and organizational domains. I was also able to present a poster focused on the History of Alliance-Building and partner-building by US Special Forces in the Pacific. Beyond the formal panels, the experience was defined by cultural immersion, including navigating the historic winding streets of Palermo, visiting the centuries-old catacombs, and observing a truly unique religious procession leading up to Easter.
This experience significantly advanced my leadership development by forcing me to confront the visceral reality of American hegemony. As the only American in many small working groups, I realized that my international peers looked to me to bear the mantle of leadership and settle disputes. I also had to navigate negative stereotypes of Americans as “loud” or “bombastic,” leaning into a more reserved, facilitative style that prioritized intentional listening over dominating the discussion. I learned that effective leadership in a diverse environment is about enabling others to contribute to the benefit of the whole team.
A pivotal cross-cultural exchange occurred during a gathering at the Italian Army Club, where I engaged in an “impromptu summit” with cadets from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and various European nations. We discussed a wide variety of topics, ranging from the South African cadets’ concerns about their nation’s shift toward BRICS to European anxieties regarding the future of NATO and the possibility of U.S. forces being drawn away to the Middle East or China. By clarifying the U.S. lawmaking process, our governmental system, and our strategic focus on China, I was able to calm their concerns and work towards mutual understanding. I was also able to make a personal connection with Cadet Måna Almgren from the Swedish Delegation, who agreed to show me around Stockholm when I visit there this summer. We also discussed the role that Chinese information warfare is spreading into the North Sea over the past few years and how the Swedes have been trying to handle it.
Cadet Jaimey DiNapoli
During my time in Palermo for the International Forum on Peace, Security, and Prosperity, I was able to gain valuable new insight and perspective to a wide range of cultures and viewpoints. The conference itself offered many interesting topics of discussion, ranging from resilience to emotional intelligence that were discussed in panels and workshops. However, what I found more impactful than the sessions were the relationships we were able to build with international cadets from a myriad of different countries.
An interaction that stood out to me was when we were all trading patches and other regalia. Despite our different nationalities, I made strong connections with two cadets in the British Navy, and we plan on keeping in touch and hopefully planning a visit on the coming months. It felt so natural to talk with them about their experiences and be able to compare and contrast and gain a deeper understanding of how their system works. I found it very easy to strike up a conversation with the other cadets despite having no previous interaction because of the similarities of our backgrounds. Our delegation had brought rook covers to trade, and it was such a unique experience to see so many international cadets wandering the streets of Palermo in their newly acquired rook hats. It struck me how similar the majority of cadets were to my peers at Norwich. A major similarity was that everyone I talked to was the mindset we all seemed to have. There was a mutual understanding that although choosing the military is not a common decision, we all understand the gravity of the roles we will be entering as, and respect international military force for sharing the same values and viewpoints while recognizing cultural differences and how they impact military decisions. Understanding the mechanics of other militaries plays a very big part in being able to maintain alliances and demonstrating cross cultural understanding.
As I move forward in my military career, I know this forum and the opportunities it gave me to meet and make connections with other cadets will allow me to be a more informed and effective leader in the future along with the deeper understanding and appreciation I fostered for the importance of cohesion and working for peace.
Cadet Elizabeth Howl ‘27, Nursing
Takeaway: My experience at the International Forum on Peace, Security & Prosperity in Palermo, Sicily fundamentally shifted how I understand intercultural communication. Engaging with Cadets from Ireland, Britain, France, Canada, and many other nations made it clear that even among close allies, our lived experiences and values differ in ways that are difficult to appreciate from a distance. Hearing how others navigate challenges unique to their countries forced me to examine my own assumptions and recognize how privileged I have been in my opportunities as an American Cadet.
These conversations will directly shape how I practice as a future Army nurse. Effective nursing requires the ability to meet each patient where they are and understand how their culture and beliefs influence their care. The forum reinforced that cultural humility is not a soft skill but a competency that can be applied in any field.
Perhaps the most lasting takeaway was a deepened appreciation for human connection across difference. Spending time with Cadets from around the world reminded me that trust is built gradually through genuine curiosity and shared experience. I am grateful to have represented the United States in that setting and humbled by what I received in return. I carry those friendships and perspectives into my growth as both an officer and a future nurse.
We left on the afternoon of 20 March and landed around noon on the 21st. Our first day was an experience in familiarization and adaptation to the new environment. Palermo is a very different environment compared to almost every American city, with winding streets, old buildings, and beautiful architecture. In many of my subsequent explorations of the city, I would emerge from narrow alleys into wide plazas bordering centuries-old churches or palaces. After eating along the main tourist artery, my friend and I broke off to explore the shops and waterfront. The first full day in Palermo was a sharp departure from the United States as we ate a wonderful breakfast from the hotel staff and then ventured out into the city for more sightseeing. On our way, we would run into a huge flea market where everything from old DVDs and video games to fine china was being haggled over by tourists and locals alike. Pushing south, we would make our way to the city’s gardens while observing the wonderful architecture. That evening, we would mingle in the rain with foreign cadets for the first time and make several contacts that would form the basis of friendships throughout the conference. The next day, we began the conference and engaged in meaningful exchanges with foreign cadets, discussing various questions regarding resilience. That evening, we would go out on the town and explore the city’s nightlife. The second day would focus much more on adapting to changing circumstances, with several moral quandaries. That evening, we would attend an event at the Italian Army Club, where we could break down barriers and be more casual with our counterparts. The final day of the conference was dedicated to a speech from Lt. General Broadmeadow and closing remarks. That evening, there was an impromptu celebration and goodbye among all the cadets in town. Thursday saw us explore many different parts of the city, including the catacombs, which were a centuries-old mortuary. We would have a small celebration to commemorate ring night, but would otherwise prepare to return home. The next day, we would return to the United States bright and early, eventually returning to campus around 2000 on the 27th.
The biggest thing I took away from this trip is the new perspective I gained as an American officer and what it meant: every time we were put into groups, I was generally the lone American. The cadets at the event looked to me for leadership. Never before have I seen such a visceral projection of American hegemony and leadership. I realized that an American officer must be able to bear the mantle among our international peers, settling disputes and fostering collective leadership. While this was a positive example of how the rest of the world views Americans, they also had many negative stereotypes that were projected onto me as well. Americans are seen as loud, culturally insensitive, bombastic, and rash. This was strange for someone like me, who is much more reserved and quiet. I found that leaning into the stereotypes to be self-aware or to take some of these stereotypes in stride when interacting with foreign cadets.
While we were at the Italian army club party, I had a very in-depth conversation with the south ’fricans (British pronunciation), Brits, and some Europeans. We essentially split off for about forty-five minutes to share our different geopolitical outlooks on the world and came away with some interesting information. During the impromptu summit, we discussed many topics, with African politics being the first, which we were all very interested in. The South Africans stated that they wanted to remain neutral but felt that their nation was shifting toward the revisionist powers and BRICS because of the ANC and its much more authoritarian behavior of late. They have a much different approach to global politics, with much more of a focus on Africa (surprising, right) and on peacekeeping. They were very concerned about the expansion of terrorism in Africa and how US-China competition would affect these groups. The Europeans were very concerned that US forces would be drawn away from the Russian border to the Middle East and about the future of NATO. It was good to explain to them some of the American concerns from an American perspective,, the main one being China. Also, the Europeans do not have a good understanding of domestic politics or how our lawmaking process works, so my clarification calmed them down some (they were very nervous about the US pulling out of NATO abruptly).