Dickinson College Hosts Lithuanian Defense Minister to Highlight Historic Pennsylvania Security Ties
Dickinson President John E. Jones III '77, P'11 (left) greets H.E. Robertas Kaunas and Maj. Gen. John R. Pippy. Photo by Alex Sonfield '25.
Event Highlights Dickinson's Security Studies and International Programs
Dickinson hosted Lithuanian Minister of National Defence H.E. Robertas Kaunas on Friday, Sept. 25, to highlight the historic ties among Pennsylvania, Lithuania and transatlantic security. Co-hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, with Dickinson’s international studies, political science and security studies programs, “From NATO's Frontline to the Keystone State: Lithuania and Pennsylvania's Ties" featured an address from Kaunas on the 33-year strategic partnership between Lithuania and the Pennsylvania National Guard, showcasing how localized state partnerships strengthen NATO's eastern flank.
"Our story is simple: We first worked together, then we trained together. Now, today we stand together," said Kaunas on the special connection with the Keystone State, which began in 1993 and has spanned over 800 joint security cooperation engagements. Reaffirming Lithuania's commitment to defense along NATO's eastern border, he added, "We do not ask anyone to defend us in our place. We ask our partners to stand with us, just as Pennsylvania has," and emphasized that "deterrence is always cheaper than war."
Following his remarks, Kaunas joined a panel discussion moderated by Torrey Taussig, director of the Transatlantic Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, which also included Major General John R. Pippy, adjutant general of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania National Guard; Rep. Mark Gillen, chairman of the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, Pennsylvania House of Representatives; and Joyce Davis, president and CEO of the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
The event ended with Dickinson students and other audience members asking the panel questions on issues ranging from the impact of drones on the future of warfare to Lithuania’s reaction to potential acts of aggression by Russia. Dickinson President John E. Jones III '77, P'11, who opened the event along with Mayor of Carlisle Sean Shultz, noted how the event built on Dickinson’s specialized security studies program and its close collaboration with the U.S. Army War College. Dickinson has for several decades collaborated with the U.S. Army War College on public events, faculty work and student internships. These kinds of partnerships, Jones said, reflect "the college's commitment to providing students with a relevant globally oriented education."
View additional photos from the event on Flickr.
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Published September 28, 2026