Experts to debate peace, security and migration at Stirling events

The University of Stirling is to host two public events which bring together leading experts on peace, security, migration and refugees who will analyse these issues and the implications for Scotland.

Organised in partnership with the Scottish Council on Global Affairs (SCGA), the events take place as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas passes 100 days, and as international relations are increasingly tense, unpredictable and unstable.

The first event, The State of Global Peace and Security, will explore international challenges, including conflict, diplomacy, peacebuilding and global security.

It will be chaired by Professor Neville Wylie, the University of Stirling’s Senior Deputy Principal (Internationalisation), whose research explores modern warfare and draws on the disciplines of History, International Relations and International Law.

Global forces

Professor Wylie said: “At a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, it is vital that we create space for informed, evidence-based discussion on peace, security and migration.

“These events will underline the importance of academic expertise in helping policymakers and the wider public better understand the global forces shaping Scotland’s future.”

The first event takes place on Tuesday, 24 February, from 6pm to 8.30pm in Pathfoot Lecture Theatre. Speakers taking part in the discussion include Noor al-Naser, Manager of the Scottish Peace Platform at Beyond Borders Scotland; Dr Megan Dee, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Stirling; Dr Marcin Kaczmarski, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies at the University of Glasgow; and Laura Wise, Senior Research Fellow and Programme Coordinator at the Peace and Conflict Resolution Evidence Platform (PeaceRep), University of Edinburgh.

Take stock

The following day, Wednesday, 25 February, the University will host a hybrid workshop titled The State of Migration and Refugees in Scotland Amidst a Changing World, from 11am to 3pm in the Cottrell Building (room 2A54).

The workshop will bring together academics, policymakers, civil society organisations and practitioners to explore global migration trends, refugee protection, and the impact of international developments on Scotland.

The workshop is organised by the SCGA in partnership with the University of Stirling, with Dr Damian Etone, Senior Lecturer in International Human Rights Law at the University of Stirling, among the organisers.

Juliet Kaarbo, SCGA Executive Director, said: “We are all living and working through an era of profound global changes. Every development in the external environment plays a critical role in shaping domestic policy and lived experiences in Scotland. From the economy, health and social care, through to education, industry, and more, what happens across the globe has an impact in Scotland.

“In 2026, the Scottish Council on Global Affairs is working with the expertise across Scotland’s universities to take stock of the state of the world.”

Both events are free to attend, but advance registration is required. Visit SCGA for further details.