On Thursday, June 4 the Nunn School’s EU study abroad visited the NATO military headquarters, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). After briefings on the general structure and agenda of SHAPE and the relationship between the EU and NATO, the students entered the classified area known as CCOMC (Comprehensive Crisis and Operation Management Center). There, they heard about the processes SHAPE military personnel undertake in an effort to give the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Phillip Breedlove (a Georgia Tech alum) and NATO heads of state the information they need to address existing and emerging challenges.

Had the visit ended there it would have been amazing, but thanks to the efforts of Lieutenant Colonel Rich Hawkins, Lorraine Zangerle, Technical Sargent (and PhD) Christina Chislom, and Chief Warrant Officer Yolondria Dixon-Carter, the students went even further with a visit to the SACEUR’s office. There, in addition to the Eisenhower desk, Eisenhower’s personal sidearm, and the SACEUR’s letter of promotion, they saw evidence of the SACEUR’s profound commitment to enlisted personnel (a large section of the office is dedicated to a tribute to enlisted military personnel) and his high regard for Georgia Tech (including a model Ramblin’ Wreck and a GT football helmet). Chief Warrant Officer Dixon-Carter shared with the students some anecdotes from working for the SACEUR as well as some insights on the events to which the office bears witness. While the students did not meet the SACEUR himself, they came away with a strong impression of his extraordinary character and the deep affection held for him by his staff. All in all, a tremendous experience and learning opportunity for the students and faculty alike.

On 1 June two European Commission officials - Paolo Salieri from the Directorate General for Migration and Home Affairs and Wil van Heeswijk from the Directorate General for Taxation and Customs Union -- spoke to an audience of more than 60 undergraduate and graduate students and other members of the Georgia Tech and business communities about the challenge of facilitating trade in desirable goods while interdicting trade in undesirable ones. This challenge has become more acute in the 21st Century, both in response to increased concern about terrorist attacks in the wake of 9/11 and because of the proliferation of transnational production and heightened consumer expectations about the prompt delivery of products ordered over the internet. There is thus greater need to secure borders, but to do so in ways that facilitates legitimate trade.

Nunn School faulty member Dr. Thomas Boston has been selected as a 'Man of Influence' for 2015 from the Atlanta Business League. The Atlanta Business League describes the award as "recognizing black men in metro Atlanta communities who have reached senior level positions within their profession; are leading entrepreneurs in their industry; have proven history-making feats; or have attained the ability to influence large public bodies politically and in government. In addition to professional accomplishments, the Men of Influence have demonstrated their commitment to the citizenry of Metro Atlanta by maintaining significant involvement and participation in community and civic activities." Congratulations Professor Boston!

The Argentina Study Abroad with Drs. Kirk Bowman, Jenna Jordan, and Adam Stulberg visited the new Atucha II Néstor Kirchner Nuclear Reactor near Buenos Aires, Argentina as part of their research on energy security in the Southern Cone.

Our own Dr. Michael Best presenting a paper last week at Asian Media Conference, Dubai.

Georgia Tech’s Jean Monnet Center of Excellence is proud to announce the publication of its first working paper, written by Center member and Huang Professor of Law and Ethics at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business and Senior Counsel at Alston & Bird LLP Peter Swire. Swire, who served on President Obama’s Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technology and who, under President Clinton, helped to negotiate the U.S.-E.U. Safe Harbor agreement for trans-border data flows, reflects on how recent changes in U.S. surveillance policy, including the 2015 USA Freedom Act, compare to the recommendations of the Review Group and address European concerns about U.S. surveillance practices. Read it here.

Dr. Katja Weber's Southeast Asia Study Abroad Program recently returned home with great experiences in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam on thier mind. Check out thier Cambodia Documentary they made while traveling there.

Dr. Seymour Goodman was part of a speaker panel with Rodney Petersen (NIST), David Dampier (MSU), and Benjamin Scribner (DHS), “Building the Nation’s Cyber Security Workforce,” 7th Southeastern Cyber Security Summit, Huntsville, AL, June 3-4, 2015. About 750 people attended the conference along with over 50 exhibitors and recruiters.

Professor Brian Woodall was an invited guest at a reception held at the residence of Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. The purpose of the reception was to honor Japanese Fulbrighters who are about to depart for the U.S. Ambassador Kennedy lauded Fulbright Japan, which is now in its 63rd year of existence.