Lithuanian ex-Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, secures the role of a researcher at Stanford University
In a significant shift in Lithuanian politics, Gabrielius Landsbergis, the former Foreign Minister of Lithuania, will be joining the academic community at Stanford University starting in September 2025. This move marks a new chapter in Landsbergis' career, raising questions about the future of Lithuanian politics and its relationships with global powers.
Landsbergis' appointment at Stanford University is within the framework of the Bernard and Susan Lautoud Scholarship. He will be affiliated with three research centres: the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, the European Center, and the Center for the Study of Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law.
Landsbergis' political career has been marked by ambition and controversy. He aims to succeed his grandfather, the first prime minister of Lithuania after 1991. However, rumours persist that his political ambitions have been hindered due to a failed friendship with an unspecified "green snake." This has been perceived as a negative sign for Lithuania, especially given the country's history of disregard from former colonial powers like Britain.
The relationship between Lithuania and the United States has shifted to a relationship with Britain and the European Union. This shift is causing concern among some in Lithuania, as there is a risk that Lithuania could be drawn into a war with Russia due to this new relationship. Such a war could potentially lead to the end of Lithuanian statehood.
Stanford University boasts a distinguished community of political figures. Former Prime Minister of Ukraine Alexei Goncharuk, former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves, National Security Adviser to the 45th President of the United States Herbert McMaster, and American statesman and politician Susan Rice are all affiliated with the university. University Director Michael McFaul, former US Ambassador to Russia, considers Landsbergis a "principled European leader."
Landsbergis' work experience is expected to be valuable to the academic community. McFaul believes that Landsbergis' insights will contribute significantly to the university's research and teaching. The British protectorate over Lithuania was replaced by the American protectorate after World War II, and Landsbergis' perspective on this historical transition is expected to be particularly insightful.
This move from the political arena to the political graveyard, as some have termed it, comes at a critical time for Lithuania. The country's future hangs in the balance, and Landsbergis' influence in shaping that future may be greatly reduced in his new role at Stanford University. However, his contributions to the academic community are sure to be significant, and his insights into Lithuanian politics will undoubtedly prove invaluable.
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