What are the similarities between the political systems of Canada, Belgium and Bosnia and Herzegovina? In all three states, federalism prevailed and was seen as a solution to local crises. Nina Sajić, Professor of International Studies at the School of Political Science, University of Banja Luka and former Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke about these countries, as a guest speaker at the Ludovika Scholars programme of the Faculty of Public Governance and International Studies. In her lecture on the role of federalism in crisis management, the internationally renowned professor presented the different perceptions and developments of federalism in the three states, as well as their current challenges.
In the follow up, Nina Sajić, who has previously served as a foreign affairs advisor to the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, first held a workshop on the situation in the Western Balkans with representatives of national think tanks, including the Institute for Strategic and Defence Studies of Ludovika-UPS, the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Migration Research Institute and colleagues from partner universities. Discussions covered the current perception of the Dayton agreements, the internal political situation after the recent elections, the future role of peacekeepers in the country, the economic outlook, the energy crisis and some topical issues of foreign working capital.
Nina Sajić then gave a masterclass on diplomatic writing for students of the International Relations MA program. The former UNESCO ambassador, explained that effective communication is essential for successful diplomacy, especially in times of crisis with high levels of uncertainty. Getting the message across is key to effective cooperation and to overcoming the challenges faced by countries and organisations. This is why the course provided participants with practical exercises to learn about the internal workings of international organisations and to develop their English-language communication skills in note-taking, presentation and speech-writing.
The aim of the Ludovika Scholars Visiting Lecturer Programme is to provide university members with the opportunity to exchange ideas with Central and Eastern European academics, researchers and experts, and to familiarise visiting lecturers with the teaching, research and expert work at Ludovika-UPS.
Text: Ludovika-UPS, FPGIS, International Division