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.

The political elites in Belgrade have made good use of the politically controlled media to transform China’s image in the country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

People of importance for the security impact of the Russian Federation in the Western Balkans -  who are Russian officials “on the spot” in the Balkans who do not make headlines nor appear in articles?

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.

Trillions of dollars from Beijing for updating coal facilities in Western Balkans put the EU in a difficult position in regard to enforcing environmental standards

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.

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.

Serbia’s military industry build-up brings money and has the potential to reshape the country´s strategic position in the Balkans  – although it also creates the danger of a regional arms race.

The WB have once again become the battlefield of the great powers since Russia has lately started using this region to position itself as a superpower more assertively.

With undemocratic powers hustling for influence in the Western Balkans, the region needs EU and US commitment – but Brussels and Washington seem reluctant to offer it wholeheartedly.

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Upholding the prefix “North” is dependent on the Macedonian citizens’ ability to shield themselves from Russia’s disinformation operations.

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.

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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.

China is making a bad situation worse, but Serbia’s air pollution problems are self-inflicted.

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Balkan political elites are prone to make use of foreign investments to further a narrative of themselves as ‘saviours’ of the nation.

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.

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.

It seems that the number of pro-Russian media outlets has not increased after Montenegro’s entry into NATO, but the example of the coup shows that there are other ways to influence public opinion.

A strategy of strengthening political ties while using development aid to raise its visibility is bearing fruit for Ankara in Bosnia.

The article discusses the overall Chinese influence in the Western Balkans, its relationship with Serbia, and possible ways in which the EU can keep Serbia firmly in its camp.

As Skopje moves closer to opening membership negotiations with the European Union, the trade deals it has struck with Beijing are likely to come under heavy scrutiny.

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.

Kosovo represents an experimental site of international politics. Thus, it is not surprising that Russia has been presented there factually and even more in symbolical terms.

Starting from 2012, one of the important foreign partners of Serbia have become the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with its ruling dynasty, Al Nahyan.

Kosovo may rely in part on Turkish goodwill – but it should not have forgotten so rapidly the recent, secretive and highly controversial deportation of six Turks from the country.

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.

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Momentum is growing for a crunch reform of Bosnia’s broken electoral system, but how and at what cost?

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the role if foreign investors in the failed Bosnian privatization? The text elaborates on the previous article by exploring negative and positive aspects of foreign investments.

Closer ties to Greece and the EU – and disputes over the activities of so-called Gulenists – are putting Skopje’s old friendship with Ankara to the test.

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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.

The negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina sponsored by the Brussels have been recently turning from a dialogue into rather two monologues.

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.

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.