ABSTRACT

This book outlines the main security threats, actors, and processes in the Western Balkans following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Exploring the state of peace and security in the region it asks if a stable peace is achievable. The comparative framework explores state perspectives – from Serbia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo – alongside military, political-societal, economic, and environmental security concerns. The interplay of international actors is also considered. Academics, scholars, and practitioners who deal with Balkan issues, either as a focus or comparatively, and have interests in security and peace studies will find the volume invaluable along with students of political science, security studies, peace studies, area studies (Eastern European studies and/or Southeast European studies), and international studies in general.

part 1|114 pages

Local Level

chapter 2|15 pages

Conflicting Peace in Post-War Serbia

Radicalisation and Extremism as Security Threats

chapter 5|18 pages

A Bottom-up Perspective on Peace and Security in North Macedonia

Turbulent Violent Past versus Uncertain Future?

chapter 6|18 pages

Kosovo 1

The Achilles' Heel of Balkan Security

chapter 7|21 pages

Building Cohesive National Security and Stability

The Case of Montenegro

part 2|86 pages

Regional Level

chapter 9|20 pages

Political and Societal Security in the Western Balkans

One Step Forward, Two Steps Backward

chapter 10|15 pages

From Confrontation to Cooperation

Economic Security in the Western Balkans 1

chapter 11|22 pages

From Reconstruction to Transition?

Environmental Security in the Western Balkans

part 3|74 pages

International Level

chapter 12|19 pages

A Relay Race for Peace

The Approaches of the EU and the US to Bringing Stability and Democracy to the Western Balkans Region

chapter 13|21 pages

Russia and China in the Western Balkans

The Spoiler Power and the Unexpected Power

chapter 14|25 pages

Partners or Security Challengers?

The Implications of the Presence of Turkey, the Gulf States, and Iran in the Western Balkans

chapter 15|7 pages

Sustainable Peace in the Western Balkans

Utopia or Achievable Future?