Public Lecture: Canada’s Role in European Security and Diplomacy
The Department of Political Science at Vytautas Magnus University cordially invites you to a public lecture by Ms. Jeanette Eileen Sautner, Ambassador of Canada to the Republic of Lithuania.
Lecture Topic: Canada and the EU: Current Realities and Future Challenges
Ambassador Sautner will explore Canada’s contemporary geopolitical priorities, focusing on how the country is enhancing its diplomatic engagement and addressing security and defense challenges in collaboration with the European Union and NATO allies. Key foreign policy initiatives toward the EU will also be discussed.
The lecture will take place on Monday, May 12, at 16:00, in Room 311, Putvinskio g. 23, Vytautas Magnus University.
Moderator: Assoc. Prof. Andžej Pukšto
All members of the university community and the general public are welcome to attend.
International conference on the contemporary Spanish-speaking world
On Thursday, May 8, the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) is organizing the second international conference “The Contemporary Spanish-Speaking World: Culture, Society, and Politics” at the VMU Multifunctional Science and Study Center (V. Putvinskio g. 23).
The conference will bring together scholars, researchers, and students from various fields to discuss current trends shaping the development of the Spanish-speaking world. The conference aims to foster academic dialogue on the most important cultural, social, and political challenges facing contemporary Spanish-speaking societies.
According to one of the conference organizers, assoc. prof. Mindaugas Norkevičius, “the conference also involves young researchers – students of the master’s program “Diplomacy and International Relations” whose presentations reflect not only an academic perspective on current international processes and regional contexts, but also the insights of the younger generation on global issues, cultural diversity, and intercultural dialogue. The insights of young researchers complement the conference theme with a fresh perspective, contributing creative assessments and ideas that are maturing in the context of international relations studies”.
Participants are invited to analyze historical experiences, current challenges, and possible scenarios for development, thereby broadening their understanding of the multifaceted Spanish-speaking world. “The growing role of Spanish as one of the most important languages of international communication encourages us to look beyond Spain. The conference will also focus on other Spanish-speaking countries, especially Latin America, which is becoming an increasingly important center of global change and geopolitical transformation,” says conference organizer Vigilija Žiūraitė, lecturer at Vytautas Magnus University.
The conference is part of a series of events at Vytautas Magnus University called “Spanish Spring” (Primavera en español).
A Discussion with Ms. L. Pilukaitė: How the European Commission Shapes Europe
The Department of Political Science is pleased to invite you to a special meeting with Ms. Laimutė Pilukaitė, Head of the Political Reporting Team at the European Commission Representation in Lithuania.
During this public lecture, we will explore key topics such as:
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The main responsibilities of the European Commission
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A glimpse into the schedule of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
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The European Union’s support for Ukraine and its defense strategy for Europe
Join us for this insightful discussion and engage with pressing issues shaping European politics.
Date: April 7, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Classroom 311, Puvinskio 23
Language: English
We look forward to your participation!
Public lecture by Andrzej Krzystof Dudziński
Department of Political Science of Vytautas Magnus University is kindly inviting all students and members of staff to attend a public lecture to be delivered by Andrzej Krzystof Dudziński, entitled Tackling the National and International Crisis-Examples from Poland.
The distinguished guest Andrzej Krzystof Dudziński at present is a Deputy Chief of Mission, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Vilnius, Lithuania. Previously he served in different capacities in Poland, Germany, Austria. His academic interests and expereince are in the field of international crises, international security, transatlantic links as well as Baltic Sea region.
Lecture will take place on Wednesday, February 12, on 4 pm at room 103, Putvinskio 23.
The faculty will host a visit of experts in the evaluation of the field of Political Science
On February 6, a visit of experts in the evaluation of the field of political science will take place at Vytautas Magnus University.
Students of the direction are invited to a meeting with experts at 12:00-12:45, and all members of the academic community of the field – to familiarize themselves with general observations during the visit 16:30-16:45.
Meeting place: V. Putvinskio str. 23 – 312.
The meeting agenda can be found here
S. Rakutienė and I. Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė participated in COST project activities at the University of Cambridge
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sima Rakutienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ingrida Unikaitė-Jakuntavičienė, took part in the COST project (CA22121) “Rising Nationalisms, shifting geopolitics and the Future of European Higher Education” partners’ meeting at the University of Cambridge, on September 19-20.
This COST project brings together researchers from political science and education from 37 different countries, including the University of Cambridge. The project, which runs until 2027, aims to explore how the rise of new nationalisms and geopolitical factors are creating tensions and increasing pressure on the openness of European higher education and research, and what implications this has for the future of Europe.
More information on the project:
https://www.cost.eu/actions/CA22121/#tabs+Name:Description
28th Annual Central European Political Science Association (CEPSA) Conference
We are pleased to announce that the Central European Political Science Association (CEPSA), in partnership with the Lithuanian Political Science Association and Vytautas Magnus University, will host the 28th Annual CEPSA Conference, titled “Twenty Years of EU Membership: Lessons Learned, Challenges, and Opportunities.”
The conference will take place at Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, in Kaunas, Lithuania, on October 3rd and 4th, 2024.
This conference will bring together political scientists, researchers, and practitioners from Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, creating a platform for insightful discussions and reflections on the past two decades of EU membership. The event will focus on the achievements, challenges, and future opportunities for EU member states in the region.
The conference aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange, offering both theoretical and empirical contributions—ranging from comparative studies to single-country analyses—all centered around the theme of the 20-year EU membership milestone.
We look forward to welcoming participants for this enriching academic event.
Date: October 3-4, 2024
Venue: Vytautas Magnus University, Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, V. Putvinskis str. 23, Kaunas, Lithuania
For more details, practical info, please stay updated via the official university webpage.
New Publication: Unique Treaty. Relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Lithuania (1994-2024) Edited by Aleksandra Kuczyńska-Zonik and Andrzej Pukszto
There was a chance that the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Good Neighbourly Cooperation of the Republic of Lithuania and the Republic of Poland would be forgotten or stay in the shadows. However, the Treaty played a big role in the strengthening the security and international position of both countries, and it is impossible to imagine the process of Euro-Atlantic integration without it. This publication presents the current state of Lithuania-Polish relations. Polish and Lithuanian researchers have attempted to analyze various areas of cooperation, paying attentions to its effectiveness, but also noting current and future challenges. Thus, they point out that security, economy, media, memory policy and national minorities are important dimensions of bilateral cooperation.
Unique Treaty. Relations between the Republic of Poland and the Republic of Lithuania (1994-2024)
ISBN: 978-83-67678-44-5
Edited by: Aleksandra Kuczyńska-Zonik, Andrzej Pukszto
Online access to the book: PDF
Second Edition of the Summer School of Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol: June 5-7, 2024, Vilnius
From June 5 to 7, 2024, Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, hosted the second edition of the Summer School of Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol. This event brought together a diverse group of students and professors from the Political Science department of Silesia University in Katowice, Poland. The initiative aimed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of diplomatic practices, etiquette, and protocol. The program was organized by the Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy, led by Dean Šarūnas Liekis and Vice Dean Aistė Žemaitytė.
Key Activities and Visits
Supreme Election Commission of Lithuania The summer school kicked off with a visit to the Supreme Election Commission of Lithuania. Here, students were introduced to the intricacies of Lithuania’s electoral processes and the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in elections. The visit provided a practical perspective on how election commissions operate and their role in upholding democratic principles.
Discussion at the Presidency of the Republic of Lithuania The group then participated in a discussion session at the Presidency of the Republic of Lithuania. This meeting was a highlight of the program, offering insights into the workings of the highest office in the country. Students engaged in discussions about the functions of the presidency, the challenges faced by the head of state, and the role of diplomatic protocol in presidential affairs. The session emphasized the importance of etiquette and protocol in maintaining the dignity and efficiency of state operations.
Geopolitical Challenges at the Polish Embassy in Vilnius Another significant aspect of the summer school was the visit to the Polish Embassy in Vilnius, where students delved into discussions on contemporary geopolitical challenges. This session provided a platform for analyzing current international issues, particularly those affecting Poland and Lithuania. Students and professors exchanged views on geopolitical strategies, international relations, and the role of diplomatic missions in fostering bilateral ties. The discussions highlighted the importance of understanding geopolitical dynamics in effective diplomacy.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
The primary objective of the Summer School of Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol was to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the complex world of international relations. The program covered various aspects of diplomatic protocol, including formal communication, ceremonial procedures, and the subtleties of international etiquette.
Participants left with a deeper understanding of:
- The structure and function of key governmental and diplomatic institutions.
- The significance of protocol in international and national settings.
- Practical skills in diplomatic communication and etiquette.
- Awareness of current geopolitical issues and their implications for diplomacy.
NAWA Project – Strategic Partnership
The summer school was part of a broader initiative under the NAWA Project – Strategic Partnership. This project aims to foster international collaboration in education and research. By bringing together students and faculty from different countries, the project promotes cross-cultural understanding and academic exchange. The summer school in Vilnius exemplifies how strategic partnerships can enhance educational experiences and prepare students for global challenges.
Professor Egdūnas Račius: “National Muslim Churches? Churchification of Muslim Religious Organizations in post-communist Central Asia”
The nation states in Central Asia are effectively post-colonial and governance of religion in general and of Islam in particular in them bears heavy traits of colonial (namely, imperial Russian) rule. The former overlord sought to control religiosity and religious authority of minority (in this case, Muslim) faith communities through founding, if not state-run then tightly state-controlled, religious institutions. Those institutions survived the communist intermezzo and in the post-communist era, by the will of local regimes, are being (or, some would argue, have already been) turned into nothing less than national Muslim Churches: sociologically speaking, their organizational structures and modus operandi resemble Churches as they were first analysed and conceptualized by Max Weber and Ernst Troeltsch.
Purported churchification of Muslim religious organizations in today’s Central Asia, as indeed anywhere else, is not to be taken for their Christianization – there is no talk about any shift in theology or rituals. Rather, the concerned Muslim religious organizations have become churches (or, at least church-like religious organizations) as they, being institutionalized (legally recognized) religious communities and encompassing the totality of believers of the faith, understood here as a set of dogmas, rituals, and ethics, have ecclesiastical-bureaucratic structures staffed by professional (ordained) clergy and which have a positive relationship and attitude to society and the State. Moreover, they have been made into national Muslim Churches to which the entire Muslim populations of the respective countries have been assigned and whose form of Islamic religiosity has been declared the sole ‘right’ for the country. This churchification of Muslim religious organizations, foremost top-down, by the regimes, but also bottom-up, by the leadership of the organizations themselves, has been having debilitating consequences for the development of Islam in these recently created nation states, as it denies natural heterogeneity of the Muslim commonwealth and the plurality of forms of Islamic religiosity and securitizes those of them deemed ‘deviant’.
An IASH Work-in-Progress seminar, delivered by VMU Regional department Professor Egdūnas Račius (IASH-Alwaleed Research Fellow, March – May 2024):
