UBT Faculty of Security Studies Hosts Joint Lecture with U.S. and Polish KFOR Legal Officers

18/10/2025

As part of the launch of the new academic semester, the Faculty of Security Studies at UBT hosted a special guest lecture featuring two international speakers from NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR) — representatives from the U.S. and Polish contingents — who provided students with valuable insights into international security and multilateral cooperation.

The event, organized by Prof. Arian Kadriu, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Security Studies, featured Captain Jared T. Blackburn, one of the Regional Command-East (RC-E) KFOR 35 Judge Advocates, and Lieutenant Ciachera, the Polish Legal Advisor (LEGAD) for the Polish Contingent (POL COY) in RC-E KFOR. Captain Blackburn, representing U.S. KFOR, discussed the critical role of legal officers in multinational operations, focusing on his responsibilities in operational law, fiscal law, claims, and legal assistance within the peacekeeping mission.

He highlighted how international law influences security operations and the complex challenges faced by legal professionals serving in the U.S. military. Students engaged in a dynamic discussion, asking insightful questions that deepened their understanding of how law, policy, and military operations intersect in NATO missions.

Lieutenant Ciachera, representing POL KFOR, addressed the evolving roles of women in the armed forces and the protection of minors in conflict zones, emphasizing the importance of human rights in peacekeeping and stabilization operations. This event underscored UBT’s ongoing commitment to fostering international partnerships and providing Security Studies students with an education rooted in practical experience, professional expertise, and global perspectives.