Notes from the Field
Visiting Scholar Dr. Alexis Vahlas
Reflection on Dr. Vahlas’s Visit
February 25, 2024 | Ethan Trask, Studies in War & Peace
On Wednesday the 21st, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with Dr. Alexis Vahlas of the Université de Strasbourg during his visit to Norwich. Dr. Vahlas’s unique career and personal experiences in international relations were well-received by students such as myself who were curious to hear his insights on global partnerships, conflicts, and separatism. His position as a Political Advisor of EU Civilian Missions in Palestine was captivating to many of my peers who seek to better understand the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, and his insights on the Russo-Ukrainian War and French-American relations were invaluable to me. I was particularly intrigued by his time as a Political Advisor for NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Bosnia & Herzegovina, SFOR. Drawing upon my study abroad in Pristina, Kosovo this past summer, we spoke about the connections between ethnicity, political alignment, and inter-community tension in Bosnia and the wider Western Balkan region.
Alongside Dr. Travis Morris and c/MAJ August Guerrieri, we went to Good Measure Pub & Brewery here in Northfield, where we discussed his time as a lecturer at the Université de Montréal over excellent poutine and commented on the special relationship the United States shares with its first ally—a conversation sure to have made the Marquis de Lafayette proud. Later, c/MAJ Guerrieri and I spoke of our personal backgrounds, career aspirations, and how Norwich has helped guide passions into results. I look forward to meeting Dr. Vahlas in the future, and express my gratitude for his time, company, and insights into the world.
