In February,Piotr Sieniawski, PhD from the Institute of Political Science and Administration conducted a series of lectures at the Western Caspian University (WCU) in Baku, Azerbaijan, as part of the Erasmus+ KA171 programme. Azerbaijan currently plays a key role in ensuring Europe’s energy security, being one of the main suppliers of oil and natural gas to the European Union. Moreover, the country serves as an important transport hub for goods and raw materials moving from China and Central Asia to Europe.
WCU is the first private higher education institution in Azerbaijan, founded in 1991. Since its establishment, the university has been actively involved in international educational initiatives and is a member of numerous organizations. WCU cooperates with many foreign universities and ranks among the leading newly established universities in the South Caucasus region.
The Institute of Political Science and Administration at UKSW collaborates with Western Caspian University in the field of research on the de-escalation of international conflicts. In particular, scholars exchange knowledge and experiences concerning current conflicts in the South Caucasus and the efforts of the international community to resolve them.
During his stay at Western Caspian University, Piotr Sieniawski, PhD conducted lectures and seminars on the topics of de facto states, the peaceful resolution of international disputes, and the European Union’s foreign policy toward the South Caucasus. The discussions focused primarily on the practical application of theoretical knowledge to the analysis of current conflicts in the region, particularly in the territories of Karabakh, which were under Armenian occupation until 2020. The lectures and seminars were met with great interest from students and PhD candidates, who posed numerous questions.
While at Western Caspian University, Piotr Sieniawski, PhD also met with Professor Husseyn Baghirov, Rector of WCU and former Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan. Together, they discussed prospects for further academic cooperation between UKSW and WCU.
As a result of the visit to Baku, WCU students gained new insights into peaceful conflict resolution, de facto states, and EU policy in the South Caucasus. The visit also led to the establishment of new academic contacts and strengthened collaboration between UKSW and WCU. The development of these inter-university relations is crucial for building an integrated academic community.
21 March 2025
