By Christine June
Public Affairs Office
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies

GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany (July 30, 2015) – Dr. Matt Rhodes, professor of National Security Studies and director of Central and South Eastern Europe, presents Transatlantic Security Relations to six members of the Kosovo Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the first Language for Diplomacy Workshop at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies here July 30.

The aim of this three-week workshop is to assist members of the Kosovo diplomatic corps to develop highly-polished, executive-level professional writing and communication skills that are directly related to their jobs as embassy and consular officials, said Peggy Garza, chair of the English Language Programs Department at the Marshall Center’s Partner Language Training Center, Europe.

The hands-on workshop will provide extensive practice in producing official documents, such as those required in embassy and consular work.

Participants will improve their oral discourse, including conducting meetings and negotiations, as related to diplomacy.

Like his presentation, Rhodes said that lectures and discussions on security-related topics will be provided by Marshall Center professors.

Rhodes has been the Marshall Center’s professor of national security studies since 2003. His principle interests include U.S. foreign and security policy, transatlantic relations, and Central and Southeast European security issues.

Rhodes previously served as assistant professor of strategy and international security at the U.S. Air War College, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama from 1999 to 2003; assistant professor in the department of political science at Central College, Pella, Iowa from 1998 to 1999; and Jan Hus Foundation Academic Mentor in the department of politics and European studies at Palacky University, Olomouc in the Czech Republic from 1997 to 1998.

He earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1997 and a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and German from Lawrence University of Wisconsin in 1990.

PLTCE offers intermediate, advanced and specialized classroom instruction in 10 languages and dialects for about 400 U.S., NATO and Partnership for Peace military and civilian linguists each year.

The mission of the Marshall Center, as a vital instrument of German-American cooperation, is to create a more stable security environment by advancing democratic institutions and relationships; promoting active, peaceful, whole-of-government approaches to address transnational and regional security challenges; and creating and enhancing enduring partnerships worldwide.

More information on PLTCE and other Marshall Center activities is available at www.marshallcenter.org.

For those who are interested in attending a Marshall Center resident program, call the Registrar's Office at +49 (0)8821-750- 2656/2530/2327 or 314-4402-656/530/327, or email registrar [at] marshallcenter.org.