Educational diplomacy: Virginia Tech showcases transatlantic policy expertise in the nation’s capital

University faculty with expertise in politics and international affairs as well as representatives from the EU and other Washington, D.C., institutions, shared their perspectives in a series of panels. The topics covered everything from the future of transatlantic relations to trade issues and the relationship between the U.S, NATO, and the EU.

Balla, who said she was taking what she learned from the conference for use in her daily work, is a clear example of how Virginia Tech faculty and its programs equip students for careers on the international and political stage.  

The conference drew embassy staff, political and think tank representatives, academic experts, and students, and it was a unique opportunity for Virginia Tech to showcase its command of national and international issues. It also highlighted the importance of transatlantic studies to Virginia Tech’s academic programs.

“It’s important for us to be competitive in the Washington, D.C., space,” said Chad Hankinson, who is a political science lecturer and associate director of Virginia Tech’s Center for European and Transatlantic Studies. “We have great experts in political science and international studies, so hosting this conference and highlighting the contributions that our faculty make to public policy discussions is a win for Virginia Tech and the center.”  

Eight Virginia Tech faculty spoke or moderated panels during the conference. They included Yannis Stivachtis, director of the Center for European and Transatlantic Studies and Jean Monnet Chair; Paul Avey, associate professor of political science; and Chad Levinson, assistant professor of government and international affairs.