GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – 1 Dec. 2023

The George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Scholarship. These members of the Marshall Center's alumni network have been selected for their outstanding contributions to the field of international security and their commitment to advancing democratic values.
The winners of this competitive program have been selected from among 114 applicants based on a variety of factors, with priority given to research topics that are of the greatest interest to the Marshall Center and its stakeholders, and that address the complex security challenges facing the world today.

The 2024 scholarship recipients are: 

Ms. Radmilla Perovic, Montenegro 
Topic: Stalled EU enlargement as a green light for Chinese expansion in the Western Balkans

Ms. Mejreme Asllani, Kosovo 
Topic: Assessing Kremlin's disinformation campaigns in the Western Balkans since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine

Brig. Gen. Constantin Spinu, Romania 
Topic: Russia and Disinformation: How Russia attempts to undermine NATO cohesion and support for the Ukraine – The case of Romania

Ms. Mariam Ayvazyan, Armenia 
Topic: Cyber rights and small states: Bridging the gap with social media giants: Legal challenges and solutions for small nations

Mr. Madis Vaikmaa, Estonia 
Topic: Strategic communication in Estonia during Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Building societal resilience and countering foreign information manipulations

Dr. Ivica Simonovski, North Macedonia 
Topic: Impacts of new technology on terrorism financing risks

Ms. Tijana Turković, Montenegro 
Topic: Importance of HR in cyber resilience - The strongest/weakest link

Col. Zhazira Nurlybekova, Kazakhstan 
Topic: Strategic competition of China, Russia and Turkey in Central Asia from different aspects

Mr. Narayan Adhikari, Nepal 
Topic: China’s Great Power Competition and Grey Zone activities in the security dynamics of the Himalayan region

Capt. Helder Jesus, Portugal 
Topic: The strategic dimension of cyberspace in the Russia-Ukraine war—A new revolution in military affairs?

The selected scholars will each spend five weeks in-residence in Garmisch-Partenkirchen throughout 2024, engaging in comprehensive research on a security-related subject and supported by a Marshall Center faculty mentor.

"We are very proud to support and celebrate the achievements of our alumni. Their ongoing contributions to the field of security studies reflect the values and principles at the core of the Marshall Center's mission,” said Mr. Christopher Burelli, Director of Alumni Programs at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.

The Alumni Scholarship program reflects Marshall Center's commitment to providing recipients with the opportunity to further their education, engage in professional development, and contribute to the broader discourse on international security. The program seeks to empower the Marshall Center alumni network to make a lasting impact on global security.

For more information on the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies and the Alumni Scholarship program, please visit Alumni Scholars | George C. Marshall European Center For Security Studies (marshallcenter.org).

The George C. Marshall Center for Security Studies, founded on June 5, 1993, is a renowned international security and defense studies institute. A bilateral partnership between the U.S. and Germany, it is a lasting cooperation that promotes dialogue and understanding among the nations of North America, Europe and Eurasia. In 2023, the Marshall Center marks its 30th anniversary, re-emphasizing its commitment to carrying Marshall’s vision, an enduring legacy that continues through the security education initiatives of the Center.