Petro Baykovskyy, Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) and lecturer for the Ethics, Politics, and Economics undergraduate program, visited the United States and participated in several high-level academic and research engagements.
Academic and Analytical Engagements
For six weeks, Professor Baykovskyy participated in the “Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars on U.S. Foreign Policy” program at the University of Delaware. The program featured a rigorous schedule of lectures, workshops, roundtables, and political simulations at various U.S. institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, and Villanova University. In addition to his university studies, he visited prominent U.S. think tanks, including the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the Heritage Foundation.
Following his six-week program at the University of Delaware, Professor Baykovskyy then went to the Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics at Calvin University. This opportunity was extended by the institute’s Director, Professor Micah Watson. For ten days, Professor Baykovskyy was immersed in a focused research project on “Ideological Evolution of American Conservatism in Response to Foreign Policy Challenges of the Russian-Ukrainian War.” His work took him to various influential American analytical and educational centers, where he engaged with organizations that champion principles such as human liberty, free markets, religious freedom, and the rule of law. These institutions included the Acton Institute, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), and the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal, among others, providing him with a rich, multifaceted understanding of American conservative thought.
A Broader Impact and Enduring Connections
A key component of Professor Baykovskyy’s visit was his outreach beyond traditional academic circles. He had a particularly impactful two-hour discussion with students of the Calvin Prison Initiative at a Michigan prison. This meeting offered a unique forum where he could speak candidly about the realities of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The dialogue was a powerful exchange, with participants engaging him on a wide range of questions and topics, demonstrating a deep interest in the conflict and its broader implications.
Overall, this extensive trip was highly productive. It not only provided Professor Baikovsky with invaluable new insights and research material but, most importantly, allowed him to build a robust network of contacts that could serve as the foundation for future collaborative projects.
