or see an executive summary of the briefing paper.
or see an executive summary of the briefing paper.
or see an executive summary of the briefing paper.
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April 29, 2021
Western Balkans still matters: Understanding Russian involvement in the region
Although Moscow has sought to maintain traditionally strong ties with the region, Russia paradoxically does not have a long-term strategy for development of relations with the Western Balkans, but its advantages are seen in flexible actions and swift decisions.
by Vladimir Vučković
March 26, 2021
Big Brother: Serbia’s Media Are Creating Nation of China Lovers
The political elites in Belgrade have made good use of the politically controlled media to transform China’s image in the country.
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
February 9, 2021
Computational Propaganda is Swaying North Macedonia’s Politics
A study of Twitter activity in the run-up to North Macedonia’s 2020 election reveals how automated accounts pushing a strong anti-Western message shape political discussion.
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
November 19, 2020
Thaçi’s gone. The thin line of Erdoğan’s brotherhood
President Hashim Thaçi resignation as Kosovo's president after the Hague Tribunal indicted him for war crimes and crimes against humanity and the nature of Hashim Thaçi's brotherhood with President Erdogan is explored.
Originally published by the European Western Balkans
August 5, 2020
China, Pandemic and the Western Balkans: Lessons for the EU
The article discusses Chinese efforts to expand its influence and footprint in the Western Balkans, including via COVID-19-related assistance. It addresses Beijing’s jockeying for position vis-à-vis other regional actors and outlines lessons for the EU.
by Barbora Chrzová and Petr Čermák
June 27, 2019
Russia Still Has Cards to Play in North Macedonia
Despite its failure to keep VMRO DPMNE in power – or obstruct NATO membership – the Kremlin remains a ‘player’ in North Macedonia thanks to its new role as patron of Macedonian ethnic nationalism.
by Ivan Nikolovski
Originally published by Balkan Insight
June 14, 2019
Much-loved Soaps Polish Turkey’s Image in Balkans
Turkey’s ever-popular soap operas are helping to improve the country’s shaky image in the Balkan region – through some tap into a kind of Ottoman nostalgia that has concerning implications.
by Nicole Ely
May 16, 2019
Failed Privatisation is to Blame for Bosnians’ Exodus
If Bosnians are leaving the country in such large numbers, it is partly because of a mismanaged privatisation process, which from the start allowed foreign political and domestic ethnic interests to prevail.
by Stepan Santrucek
April 16, 2019
Controversial Chinese motorway the largest Montenegrin project since independence
The film "Silk Road" by Montenegrin Centre for Investigative Journalism provides a critical analysis of Chinese loans to Montenegro and poses serious questions, most of which are avoided by local politicians.
by Hana Semanić
June 22, 2018
Name deal, EU, NATO, and Russian meddling: Will “North Macedonia” get past Russia?
Upholding the prefix “North” is dependent on the Macedonian citizens’ ability to shield themselves from Russia’s disinformation operations.
April 13, 2021
Intentionally or not, Turkey is a significant actor on the Sandžak political scene
Turkey is not only an active player in the socio-political map of Sandžak, but also a passive object whose position is (mis)used by local actors in their political sparring.
by Stefan Jojić
Originally published by the European Western Balkans
April 2, 2021
West’s Tension With China Presents Balkans With Tough Choices
Balkan countries don’t want to have to decide between warm economic ties to China and political and strategic commitments to the West – but they may have to.
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
January 28, 2021
It’s Time to Act on Air Pollution in the Balkans
China is making a bad situation worse, but Serbia’s air pollution problems are self-inflicted.
by Tena Prelec and Barbora Chrzová
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
November 4, 2020
The power of China’s economic narrative as exploited in the Western Balkans
Balkan political elites are prone to make use of foreign investments to further a narrative of themselves as ‘saviours’ of the nation.
by Tena Prelec
Originally published by the Berlin Process
June 30, 2019
China’s Serbian Proxy Highlights How Beijing Captures Elites
Beijing’s close cooperation with former Serbian foreign minister Vuk Jeremic is a textbook example of the way it uses non-Chinese actors and entities to advance its ambitious strategic goals.
by Filip Jirous
Originally published by Balkan Insight
June 27, 2019
Balkans Should Beware of Putin’s Night-Time Bikers
The Night Wolves may call themselves a humanitarian and religious organization – but their mix of Orthodox Christianity and Slavic nationalism has the potential to cause trouble in a fragile, war-scarred region.
by Nicole Ely
Originally published by Balkan Insight
June 14, 2019
Turkish Aid Pays Dividends for Erdogan in Bosnia
A strategy of strengthening political ties while using development aid to raise its visibility is bearing fruit for Ankara in Bosnia.
by Stepan Santrucek
February 4, 2019
TurkStream Tightens Kremlin’s Grip Over Balkan Energy
The new natural gas pipeline running from the Black Sea to Turkey forms part of a ring of Russian-centred power networks that will leave European states ever more dependent on Russia for energy.
by Daniel Heler
April 13, 2021
China Will Loom Large in Balkans Once Pandemic is Over
Despite the West’s growing suspicions about China, its role in the Western Balkans is likely to become even more central in the post-COVID-19 era.
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
March 11, 2021
Stakes Could Not be Higher in Bosnian Electoral Reform Bid
Momentum is growing for a crunch reform of Bosnia’s broken electoral system, but how and at what cost?
by Srećko Latal
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
January 22, 2021
US Push for Decentralisation May not Solve Bosnia’s Problems
A potential Biden administration initiative to centralise power at state level in Bosnia – while decentralising it at local level – will not necessarily bring any more stability and inclusion to the country.
by Petr Čermák
Originally published by the Balkan Insight
September 3, 2020
Latest US-EU Discord Bodes Ill for Balkan Stability
US-EU differences over Belgrade-Pristina talks are adding fresh fuel to regional tensions in the Western Balkans – and opening up more space for other foreign influences.
by Srećko Latal
Originally published by Balkan Insight
June 27, 2019
China in the Balkans: Neutral business partner or a foreign power?
China’s engagement in international politics has intensified in recent years, especially since Xi Jinping became the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. The Western Balkans are no exception.
by Filip Jirous
Originally published by European Western Balkans
June 27, 2019
China Shopping Spree Belgrade Way
In almost every quarter of Belgrade and even in most of the small Serbian towns you can find at least one “Kineska robna kuća” – Chinese store, an institution providing locals with all necessary goods ranging from fashion to brooms.
by Daniel Heler
June 21, 2019
Brussels’ Balkan Policy Resembles Bad Version of Eurovision
The EU’s relationship to would-be members in the region is worryingly like the famous song contest – in which the award of points often has no clear connection to singers’ performances.
by Ivan Nikolovski
May 31, 2019
Europe Must Speak with One Voice on North Macedonia
Europe’s mixed signals on North Macedonia’s future EU membership risk reversing the progress that has been made. The lack of harmony between strategies may also weaken the EU’s credibility among the generally pro-EU citizens.
by Ivan Nikolovski
December 24, 2018
The Bear never sleeps: The Position of the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Centre in Niš
Although operating for more than six years already, the status and the activities of the Serbian-Russian Humanitarian Centre remain under the veil of mystery and doubted by many.
by Vanja Dolapčev
September 20, 2018
Lavrov Visit Adds to Tensions in Bosnia’s Elections
The visit by Russia’s top diplomat may have a major impact on Bosnia’s political scene, coming amidst an especially heated pre-election campaign.
by Srećko Latal
July 12, 2018
Summit Season Brings Cold Shower for Balkan EU Hopes
Europe and America say they are increasingly concerned over the role of outside powers in the Balkans. But it is their actions – or inaction - that is pushing the region away from Euro-Atlantic integration and into the arms of others.
by Srećko Latal