The University of Dubrovnik welcomed Dr Oleksii Polegkyi and Professor Tomasz Stępniewski from the Institute of Political Science and Public Administration at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin.

As part of their research visit, the visiting researchers delivered a public lecture entitled “Transformation of the European Security Architecture as a Result of Russia’s War Against Ukraine” on Monday, 7 September, at the University of Dubrovnik Campus. They discussed changes in the European security order, the Russia–Ukraine war, and contemporary challenges related to information and hybrid warfare.

Dr Polegkyi’s research focuses on Russian and Chinese disinformation activities, information security, and the political and security consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Professor Stępniewski’s research interests include international relations, security, and geopolitical changes in Central and Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on Ukraine, the EU’s eastern neighbourhood, and relations with Russia.

The lecture formed part of their two-week research visit organised within the Didactic Excellence of Universities project, which aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and research experience and foster future cooperation between the two institutions.

A particular focus of the visit is the exchange of experiences related to the implementation of the Adria Digital Media Observatory (ADMO) project, the regional hub of the European Digital Media Observatory for Croatia and Slovenia. The visit also includes working meetings and discussions on opportunities for joint research and cooperation on future projects.

The visit contributes to strengthening the international research ties of the University of Dubrovnik and ADMO and brings together experts working in the fields of disinformation, information security, and the resilience of democratic societies.