Rahil Dadashli, a lecturer at the Department of Political Science and Philosophy of Khazar University, traveled to the United States from May 2 to 23, 2026. The visit was conducted within the framework of the IVLP (International Visitor Leadership Program), a professional exchange program funded and organized by the U.S. Department of State. The purpose of the program is to arrange short-term professional exchanges for visitors on various topics related to the United States. This edition was dedicated to U.S.–European Union security affairs.

The first stop of the visit was Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, against the backdrop of preparations for the 250th anniversary of American independence. During this time, Rahil Dadashli visited the Department of Defense and attended a working lunch with officials from the Department of State. He also participated in a workshop on federalism, governance, and the U.S. political system organized by subject matter experts. Among the sites visited were the White House, the Capitol Building, the Korean War and Lincoln memorials, the Vietnam War Memorial, and other cultural and public venues.

The second stop of the visit was San Diego, California. The focus of this stage was to shed light on how the United States manages border threats, the border wall, dedicated border crossing points, the regulation of crossings between San Diego and Tijuana, and related issues. The program was developed and implemented by the San Diego Diplomacy Council, a San Diego-based organization. Among the professional meetings was a visit to the World Trade Center San Diego, a hub connecting regional business environments and researchers.

The director of Skapa, a company established by Swedish industrial firm Saab, subsequently briefed the visitors on the use of AI in patrol boats and the architecture of autonomous systems. The final meetings concluded with a briefing by a representative of General Atomics and a master class by academic Vice Admiral Charles Martoglio on geopolitical developments in the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions. In addition, a field expedition was organized to the San Diego–Tijuana border crossing.

The third destination was the state of Nebraska, including its capital Lincoln and the city of Omaha. This leg of the visit focused on discussions of food security and strategic governance. During this period, visits were made to USSTRATCOM and the Nebraska Legislature, with attention given to the history of the state as well as the history of U.S. strategic forces. Exchanges of views were held with a number of state officials and senators at the Legislature.

The fourth and final stop was Colorado Springs, Colorado. During this visit, a series of meetings were held at the University of Colorado, where case studies relating to AI and its applications in defense and space were discussed. Steve Rekka, a faculty member at the university, organized a workshop on the academic reflection of countering transnational extremism and safeguarding domestic security.

In addition to the professional meetings, participants took part in cultural events and sporting competitions in each state, and visited Garden of the Gods and other national parks.

Rahil Dadashli was presented with a certificate confirming his status as a graduate of the U.S. Department of State program.