On July 8, Civitas University had the honor of hosting a distinguished delegation from the Philippines as part of a study visit organized by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the Polish Embassy in Manila. The visit aimed to strengthen academic and policy dialogue between Poland and the Philippines, particularly in areas concerning security, international relations, and regional cooperation.
The delegation included:
Richard Heydarian – A renowned Filipino political scientist and foreign and economic policy analyst, specializing in Southeast Asian affairs and the geopolitical dynamics of Chinese and U.S. policies in the region. Mr. Heydarian is a prolific author and commentator, having published in prominent outlets such as The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler, Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Foreign Affairs. He previously interviewed Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during his visit to Manila.
Dr. Chester B. Cabalza – Founder and President of the International Development and Security Cooperation (IDSC) think tank based in Manila. Dr. Cabalza is an expert in security studies, including issues related to the South China Sea, terrorism, and the international political economy. His analyses appear in both Philippine media (The Philippine Star, Rappler) and international platforms such as the South China Morning Post.
Zen Hernandez – A prominent journalist and news anchor at ABS-CBN News, the leading television network in the Philippines.
Civitas University was represented by three scholars who shared insights into their research areas and engaged in discussions with the visiting delegation:
Dr. Paulina Piasecka – Director of the Terrorism Research Center at Civitas University. She is a recognized expert on hybrid threats, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Monika Nowicka – A sociologist and migration studies expert, with particular focus on the securitization and weaponization of migration flows.
Dr. Katarzyna Maniszewska – A recognized expert in countering radicalization and terrorism prevention, with academic expertise that includes Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
The visit provided an important opportunity for mutual learning and exchange of perspectives on global and regional security challenges, media landscapes, and policy development. Civitas University remains committed to fostering international dialogue and academic collaboration with partners from around the world.