by CLARKSVILLE, TN – Austin Peay State University’s Institute for National Security and Military Studies took center stage at the Institute of International Politics and Economics’ annual Winter School in Belgrade, Serbia, from March 3-9. This marked “APSU Week” at the Winter School, emphasizing the significant presence and collaboration between the institutions.
The IIPE Winter School is an annual platform for top postgraduate students from various Belgrade University faculties to attend lectures on international politics and law. It offers an immersive learning experience with lectures from esteemed academics and experts over six weeks.
APSU Week featured in-person lectures by five esteemed academics from Austin Peay:
- Dr. Rich Mifsud: The U.S. Government’s State Partnership Program
- Dr. Rudy Baker: Command Responsibility in International Criminal Law
- Dr. Scott Culhane: Understanding Serial and Mass Homicide across Countries
- Dr. Erin Carlin: International Mediation
- Dr. Simon Rotzer: The Role of Military Conscription
Austin Peay and IIPE solidified their partnership in February 2024 by signing a memorandum of understanding, signifying a joint commitment to advancing global security knowledge and academic exchange.
INSMS, the top institute of its kind in the southeastern United States, specializes in education and research on national security and military studies. Established with state legislature support, INSMS is dedicated to enhancing Tennessee’s leading role in collaborating with and educating the military community. The institute supports faculty research on topics related to national security and military studies.
IIPE, founded in 1947, is a distinguished governmental research institution focusing on international relations, diplomacy and defense policy. Over the years, IIPE has played a pivotal role in shaping Yugoslav and Serbian foreign and defense policy through extensive research, analysis and policy recommendations. It has cemented its position as the main research and policy arm of the Serbian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense, contributing significantly to the understanding of global affairs in the Balkans and beyond.
Students lauded the APSU Week lectures as “insightful” and “enlightening.” APSU academics also commended the Winter School students for their enthusiasm, engagement and diverse perspectives, which enriched discussions and fostered critical thinking about global security issues.
The engagement with the U.S. Embassy Belgrade’s Defense Attaché Office and Office of Defense Cooperation during APSU Week was pivotal. Major Marshall Carpenter of the Embassy’s ODC joined Dr. Mifsud’s presentation, and representatives also attended APSU Week’s concluding ceremony. This marked the first sustained U.S. engagement with IIPE in over 20 years, a testament to the concerted efforts of Austin Peay and INSMS.
At the end of APSU Week, IIPE Director Branislav Đorđević hailed it as a resounding success and expressed optimism for its permanent integration into the Winter School’s annual calendar.
