Open Discussion at UBT with Christopher Hyland on Global Trends and Implications for Kosovo

25/06/2026

At the UBT Science, Innovation and Technology Park, students of Political Science and Security Studies, together with academic staff, had the opportunity to engage in an open discussion with Christopher Hyland, an expert in international affairs and a long-standing supporter of Kosovo in the United States.

As part of the lecture titled “Current Global Developments and Their Implications for Kosovo”, the latest global developments, geopolitical challenges, and their impact on Kosovo and the Western Balkans region were discussed.

During the lecture, Hyland shared his extensive experience in analyzing international processes and his long-term engagement in supporting Kosovo in the United States. He emphasized the importance of building long-term relationships, international dialogue, and a proper understanding of historical and political processes that have shaped the fate of nations and states.

Reflecting on the influence of his mentors and academic experiences, Hyland highlighted the importance of creating human and professional connections built on trust and shared values.

“If you meet individuals with whom you build genuine friendship and understanding, those relationships can last for many years and create bridges of cooperation that transcend borders and differences,” Hyland stated.

In his address, he also reflected on his personal experience of learning about Kosovo during the years of the breakup of Yugoslavia, noting that his field research led him to see the situation beyond the dominant narratives of the time.

“The more I studied the situation, the more I understood that the citizens of Kosovo were facing severe oppression from the central government in Yugoslavia. The reality was very different from what was being presented at the time,” he said.

Hyland engaged with students on current political and economic transformations in the world, international security challenges, the role of strategic alliances, and the importance of Kosovo’s positioning in an increasingly dynamic global environment.

The lecture was marked by interactive discussions and exchange of ideas, once again confirming UBT’s role as a key hub for academic debate, innovation, and the analysis of globally significant issues.