Professor Hehir, who teaches at the University of Westminster and is author of over a dozen books, including Kosovo and the Internationals, brought not only academic expertise but decades of perspective on the region.
His body of work spans transitional justice, humanitarian intervention, and post-conflict statebuilding; and Kosovo has long been a key subject of his research. His ability to connect the academic to the real world made this lecture resonate deeply with our team.
Kosovo’s Founding Allies Are Shifting Priorities
The lecture opened with a bold, and for some, sobering reality: the era of Western global dominance is waning. As multipolarity takes hold, with power redistributed across regions, many of the guarantees Kosovo once relied on can no longer be taken for granted.
Professor Hehir noted that Western powers, who played a pivotal role in Kosovo’s independence and early statehood, are increasingly shifting foreign policy priorities. Their support, while still present, no longer centers Kosovo as a geopolitical focus.
Resilience Over Reliance
But the message wasn’t pessimistic, it was a call to action.
Kosovo’s long-term stability, argued Professor Hehir, must come from within. Understanding how global priorities are shifting, resisting the pressure to make unilateral compromises, and rebuilding a culture of resilience and self-reliance — these, he said, are the real keys to navigating an uncertain future.
He was especially direct about the risk of accepting “compromise” narratives that diminish Kosovo’s sovereignty in exchange for fleeting diplomatic wins. Instead, he encouraged a clear-eyed approach rooted in national integrity and domestic strength.
An Audience Ready to Engage
The conversation sparked meaningful dialogue across the room. For many in the audience, Professor Hehir’s perspective underscored the urgency of tying local efforts to a deeper understanding of global dynamics.
His lecture served as both a geopolitical analysis and a rallying cry: Kosovo’s success will be determined not just by external alliances, but by how its people adapt, resist, and lead from within.
Jeta Zagragja, CEO of AnchorzUp, brought the conversation full circle with a sharp observation on the deep connection between resilience and sovereignty in the context of Kosovo’s future. She emphasized that independence isn’t just political, it’s personal and professional, and that true progress comes from not depending solely on international structures, but instead building from within.
“We live by one of our company values: Create and own your future,” she said. “Whether as professionals or as citizens of Kosovo, we have agency. It’s our responsibility to build the future we want, and to own that journey fully.”
Jeta shared that this is not only a value she advocates as the leader of AnchorzUp, but also a message she actively promotes within the ICT industry and beyond; encouraging others to adopt a mindset of ownership, purpose, and long-term contribution.
From Academia to Advocacy
Beyond his academic work, Professor Hehir’s dedication to post-conflict justice and human stories has taken on creative form as well. His novel The Flowers of Srebrenica, inspired by a journey to the Srebrenica Memorial Center, was recently adapted into a play to mark the 30th anniversary of the genocide. The performance, currently touring across Europe, is a powerful reminder of why critical memory, resilience, and resistance matter, especially in regions like ours.
Why We Host These Lectures
At AnchorzUp, we believe technology is only part of the equation. Long-term success, for teams, for companies, for nations, comes from critical thinking, open dialogue, and learning from the best minds across disciplines.
This is why we created the AnchorzUp Guest Lecture Series: to connect our team and community with global perspectives that help us grow, not just as professionals, but as people shaping Kosovo’s future.
Looking Ahead
In a multipolar world, there are no guarantees; but there are opportunities. With thinkers like Professor Aidan Hehir helping us see the road ahead more clearly, we feel more equipped than ever to stay true to our values, align with purpose, and contribute to a Kosovo that thrives not only locally, but globally.
AnchorzUp is grateful to Professor Hehir for his time, insight, and energy, and we look forward to continuing the conversation he’s helped spark.