Clarksville, TN – Dr. Rich Mifsud, the director of the Austin Peay State University (APSU) Institute for National Security and Military Studies (INSMS), recently delivered a significant lecture titled “Cooperation between the California National Guard and the Ukrainian Military” at the Institute of International Politics and Economics (IIPE) in Belgrade, Serbia.
This lecture underscores APSU’s growing transatlantic academic presence, particularly through its partnership with IIPE, which is recognized as one of Europe’s most influential foreign policy institutes.
Dr. Mifsud emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with IIPE enables APSU faculty to engage with real-world challenges in security cooperation, strategy, and diplomacy.”
The lecture’s relevance resonated with a diverse audience that included media representatives from the Serbian press, faculty from Union University – Nikola Tesla, and members of the U.S. Embassy Belgrade’s Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC).
Drawing from his extensive experience in security studies and multinational coordination in Ukraine, Mifsud discussed the origins and evolution of the California-Ukraine State Partnership Program (SPP), which was established in 1993. This initiative is part of a broader U.S. effort aimed at supporting post-Soviet defense reform and enhancing interoperability.
Mifsud illuminated how the California-Ukraine partnership served as a pivotal foundation for Ukraine’s military resilience, especially in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
“The SPP framework provided more than training – it created enduring military-to-military ties, channels of trust, and institutional relationships that proved essential when war returned to Europe,” he stated.
His lecture included detailed analyses of joint field exercises, air defense initiatives, and doctrinal reforms that were critical in modernizing Ukraine’s military structure.
Moreover, Dr. Mifsud highlighted the importance of the Multi-National Joint Commission (MJC), U.S. Army advisory missions, and California National Guard (CNG) liaison teams in the transformation of Ukraine’s command structure and professional military education.
The role of the CNG during the initial stages of the 2022 invasion was also addressed, particularly how real-time intelligence sharing with the Pentagon expedited vital aid delivery to Ukraine.
This lecture represents another achievement in the ongoing academic exchanges between APSU and IIPE, building on their established cooperation, which includes joint conferences, publications, and research initiatives.
Looking ahead, additional collaborative activities between the two institutions are already planned for late 2025 and 2026.
Dr. Rudy B. Baker, Assistant Professor of National Security Studies at APSU, commented on the significance of the event.
“This was a prestigious invitation from one of Europe’s most influential foreign policy institutes,” said Dr. Baker. “For IIPE to host Dr. Mifsud as a featured speaker reflects not only the strength of our partnership but also the growing international recognition of APSU’s faculty expertise in security and defense affairs.”
About the Institute for National Security and Military Studies: APSU’s Institute for National Security and Military Studies is the first of its kind in the southeastern United States, supported by the Tennessee legislature. The institute is dedicated to building global partnerships, enhancing APSU’s research outreach, and preparing students for careers in national and international security.
About the Institute of International Politics and Economics: Established in 1947, the IIPE is Serbia’s leading research institute in diplomacy, international relations, and defense policy. It serves as the primary policy and research entity for the Serbian Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
APSU’s partnership with IIPE represents a model of cross-institutional collaboration, characterized by joint conferences, co-edited publications, faculty and student exchanges, and cooperative grant development, thus further solidifying APSU’s role in international academic and strategic discussion.
image source from：https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/2025/06/08/austin-peay-state-universitys-dr-rich-mifsud-delivers-key-lecture-on-california-ukraine-military-ties-in-serbia/
