Austin Peay State University to Participate in U.S. Embassy's Prestigious Balkan Security Event
Clarksville, TN – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) Institute for National Security & Military Studies (INSMS) further solidified its position as a key academic partner in international security through a recent meeting with leadership from the U.S. Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) in Belgrade, Serbia.
During the meeting, Lt. Col. Daniel J. O'Connor, chief of ODC-Belgrade, and Maj. Marshal B. Carpenter, deputy chief of ODC-Belgrade, also received a GovsHead Plaque and a signed letter of appreciation from Austin Peay, recognizing their pivotal role in advancing the ongoing collaboration between the university and ODC.
This partnership, initiated in 2023 , has paved the way for several cooperative ventures aimed at advancing U.S.-Serbian security relations. INSMS, led by Director Dr. Rich Mifsud and Assistant Professor Dr. Rudy B. Baker, has worked closely with ODC to enhance military education, assistance, and collaborative research, aligning with U.S. European Command's (EUCOM) broader security objectives in Serbia and the Balkans as a whole.
ODC-Belgrade's Role in Key APSU INSMS Milestones
Through its direct involvement with APSU in these milestones, ODC-Belgrade has proven to be a crucial partner in promoting U.S.-Serbian defense relations, further solidifying its commitment to fostering collaboration between APSU, IIPE, and the wider Serbian defense establishment.
Looking Ahead
The invitation to the Balkan Security Review exemplifies APSU's ongoing efforts to enhance international academic and security cooperation. With the continued partnership of ODC-Belgrade, APSU is poised to contribute significantly to global security discussions through academic excellence and strategic collaboration.
About INSMS
APSU's Institute of National Security and Military Studies (INSMS) is the premier institute of its kind in the southeastern United States, specializing in education and research on national security and military studies.
Established with significant support from the state legislature, INSMS is dedicated to bolstering Tennessee's leading role in military collaboration and education. The institute actively supports faculty research on various topics related to national security and military studies.
