Vilnius University Institute of International Relations and Political Science

Evolution

The Institute of International Relations and Political Science (IIRPS) of Vilnius University was established on 7 February 1992 by the agreement between Vilnius University and the Supreme Committee for the Liberation of Lithuania. It became the first political science research institution in independent Lithuania. Having commenced its activities with a two-year programme in international relations, at present IIRPS VU is a faculty-level core academic unit of Vilnius University, wherein studies in political science on all three levels (bachelor, master and PhD) and scientific research are conducted.

While first focusing mostly on educating the future members of the Lithuanian diplomatic corps, the Institute has gradually enlarged its program to include subjects relevant to public administration, non-governmental and private institutions.

Directors of the institute

The first director of the Institute was lawyer, former judge of the Constitutional Court of Lithuania, professor Egidijus Kūris. Kūris held this position from 1992 to 1999.

From 1999 to June 2009, professor Raimundas Lopata served as the director of the Institute. Lopata is the member of European Humanities University International Relations Master's program advisory council, the Association President of Republic of Lithuania and the Kaliningrad Oblast of the Russian Federation, the editor of magazine Political Science, a board member of the journal Lithuanian Foreign Policy Review, Deputy Editor of Lithuanian Political Science Association Board.

Current director of the IIRPS is professor Ramūnas Vilpišauskas, who was reelected in 2014. Ramūnas was formerly a President of the Lithuanian Political Science Association (2003-2004), a member of the Board of the Open Society Foundation (2002-2004), a member of the European Union Studies Association (EUSA, USA). For several years he has consulted the Lithuanian Government on the process of accession into the EU, worked as a consultant with the authorities of Georgia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Azerbaijan on the issues of European integration. A member of the Lithuanian Progress Council (since 2010) and the „Sunset“ Commission (since 2009).

Study programmes

Undergraduate studies

Institute of International Relations and Political Science offers a bachelor's program, which aims to provide general knowledge in political sciences. Political science - broad social science discipline that combines sociology, economics, philosophy and other disciplines elements that deals with society, the state and its domestic and foreign policy. Here the wide variety of methods are applied.

Master

Eastern European and Russian (EERS) Studies

At the Institute of International Relations and Political Studies six master programs are being taught. The Eastern European and Russian studies are being taught in English.

Eastern and Central Europe (EERS) is one of the most dynamic regions in the world having undergone significant transformation. It is not uncommon for developments in the region to influence behavior of some global actors, such as EU, US and Russia, which on their behalf have a significant role in shaping reality throughout most of the Eastern and Central Europe. EERS Studies include a 1.5-year long programme which provides knowledge and skills enabling to conduct independent analysis and evaluation of developments in EERS countries and in the region as a whole. Students acquire knowledge about domestic policies of the Eastern European states and Russia: their historic development, political and economic systems, and decision making mechanisms. Furthermore, students analyse foreign policies of above-mentioned states: the processes of interstate cooperation and the specifics of foreign policy. They choose the elective courses on the relevant problems in the regions.

Doctoral Studies Political Science PhD program. This is the highest political science study cycle which prepared doctors in political science, developing the political science in Lithuania. Political Science doctoral include: doctoral studies, baseline studies and preparation of the dissertation. Since 1992, 51 students were awarded the PhD degree at the Institute (June 2015).

Departments and centres

The structure of the institute is composed of 3 departments and 3 centres, namely:

Research

In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Military Academy and other partners, IIRPS conducts research in the area of domestic policy, governance, international relations, foreign policy and diplomacy of both Lithuania and other countries. The Institute organizes international annual conferences and guest lectures. Recently, IIRPS has taken part in co-hosting Baltic Development Forum, which included such prominent guests as President of EC Jose Manuel Barroso, Deputy Director of WTO Rufus H. Yerxa. Institute’s guests included such figures as NATO General Secretary A. F. Rasmussen and OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut.

Projects

Some of the projects the Institute has successfully participated in:

Publications

Apart from scientific papers prepared by IIRPS VU scientists the Institute issues periodicals wherein results of scientific research are published.

Notable faculty

The Institute's scientists are known to the public as experts. To name a few, the list would include

Notable alumni

Notable alumni include:

In 2015 the Alumni Association was established at the IIRPS, VU with an aim to assist students and help them to adequately prepare to enter the professional life and the career.

IIRPS student corporation "RePublica"

Corporation RePublica is an independent, non-political, public organisation uniting present IIRPS students and its graduates. Founded in 2011, RePublica is the oldest in the institute among the students' organisations. The colors of the corporation are gold, black, red, and the slogan is "Loyalty! Knowledge! Nobility!" The corporation consists of junior, seniors, and philistines.

RePublica publishes a thematic newspaper Post Scriptum, organizes conferences, seminars, meetings and public events. Established in 2002, Post Scriptum is published twice a year and distributed free of charge.

Scientific Students' Society

Students' Scientific Society (SSS) was established in 2003. This organization brings together IIRPS students interested in science. Members of the Society organise research projects, meetings with politicians and scientists, lectures of guest speakers, student and international conferences, discussions and seminars, summer expeditions and other events.

Student's Representation

IIRPS SR represents the interests of the students, consolidates student community, and develops closer links with the administration of the Institute. The Student Representative organizes student events, carries out a mentoring program, liaises with other faculties of Student Councils, organizes summer camps for future freshmen. founded in 20003, the Student Representative of IIRPS is one of the youngest in Vilnius University. Along with 13 other agencies, it is part of the Vilnius University Students' Council (VU SC).