Abstract
To understand how global geopolitical power shifts affect the Western Balkans, this policy brief provides an interactive geopolitical mapping of the region based on a newly developed Clingendael Institute methodology. Drawing on an extensive expert survey that yielded 85 responses, the brief lays out political relations and economic, security and social interactions between the countries of the Western Balkans, influential regional actors, and great powers, thereby identifying key regional dynamics. Finally, the brief assesses the ramifications of geopolitical dynamics in the Western Balkans for the European Union approach towards the region. Recommendations for the EU include taking a firmer stance towards Western Balkan countries and EU Member States who enable unwarranted foreign influence undermining democracy and stability in the region.
Disclaimer: The research for and production of this policy brief have been conducted within the PROGRESS research framework agreement. Responsibility for the contents and for the opinions expressed, rests solely with the authors and does not constitute, nor should be construed as, an endorsement by the Netherlands Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense.
About the authors
Wouter Zweers is a Research Fellow at the EU & Global Affairs Unit of the Clingendael Institute. His research focuses on EU enlargement and neighbourhood policies, as well as democratisation, geopolitical competition and security and stability in East and Southeast Europe.
Ivan Kelecevic is a Research Assistant at the EU & Global Affairs Unit of the Clingendael Institute, specialized in EU Enlargement policies with a specific focus on the Western Balkans.
Photo credits
© Arman Fazlic from Getty Images via Canva.com