On 17–18 December 2014, the JU Institute of Political Science and International Relations, in collaboration with the Special Operations Center – Special Forces Component Command, organised an international scientific-training conference entitled New Security Challenges and Their Influence on Leaders' Development and Education. The topics discussed included current threats to NATO as well as issues related to teaching students and non-commissioned officer training. The conference is yet another example of cooperation between the JU and the Polish special forces within the framework of the agreement signed in 2012.

The conference was opened by Prof. dr hab. Andrzej Mania, JU Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs. Next, United States Air Force lieutenant general Marshall B. Webb, who currently serves as the Commander, NATO Special Operations Forces HQ, delivered a lecture entitled Special Forces in Europe post-Berlin Wall – hybrid war. Other presentations were devoted to the situation in Ukraine, European and Atlantic security, irregular warfare in Europe, the policy of Russia towards neighbouring countries, Islamic fundamentalism and strategic situation in Central Asia.

The conference was attended by about 60 scholars and special forces representatives from the USA, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Italy, Holland and Poland.

Photographs: Michał Matyasik and Krzysztof Płażuk