Could the Kosovo story end in Greater Albania?
If Kosovo makes practical moves towards unification with Albania, the government in Belgrade will come under strong domestic pressure to stop the process. By... Read More
Connectivity for Development – taking the highway for economic growth
A panel discussion to promote the regional study, ‘Connectivity for Development – Taking the Highway for Economic Growth’, was organized in Belgrade.
Erdogan and the EU are on a collision course in the Balkans
The Balkans now are Erdogan’s trump card against Europe, especially after he was barred by EU countries from expanding his Islamic agenda and particularly because... Read More
Albania must choose between the EU and Turkey
The EU must make it clear that since full adherence to its charter, especially regarding human rights, freedom, and a democratic form of government, are... Read More
Condominium in Kosovo
Is there an alternative to zero sum competition for possession and sovereignty? By David B. Kanin Whether there is any point to dialogues about... Read More
In the Balkans, perhaps it is time for an Ummah
The fraying status quo in the region gives Islamists an opportunity to broaden and deepen their influence.
The Balkan treadmill
The last thing the region needs is more “attention” from the European Union.
A hole in democracy
In the Balkans, the impermanence of borders and states and entrenched social and economic informality work against academic and official theories of formal institution building.
Ancient discontent between Serbs and Albanians – why real and imagined stories matter today
Balkan history is the telling and remembering of stories passed down through generations. Whether these stories are true or imagined, they are what construct Albanian... Read More
Greater Serbia and Greater Albania do not exist – the myth of bad Serb-Albanian relations
The incidents during the recent football match between Serbia and Albania and the fall-out with attacks against bakeries owned by real (and presumed) Kosovo Albanians... Read More
The dynamics of European Enlargement – the Western Balkans case
The dual question of statehood and state capacity is a specific feature of South East Europe and encourages the search for a modified, adapted approach to... Read More
From YouTube to Jihad – Balkan volunteers in Syria
Even though conservative Islam is not much appreciated among the liberal and secular Bosniak and Albanian communities in the Western Balkans, radical groups show an... Read More
Turkey – a welcome return to the Balkans?
Though Turkey - which is seeking to re-build its once flourishing Ottoman-era ties with most Balkan states - is increasingly portrayed as a reliable business partner, rather then an aggressive and neo-imperialist player, further steps are required to ease anxiety towards its policies.
Leveraging weakness
Faced with outstanding conflicts over sovereignty in the Western Balkans, the EU's most efficacious strategy depends upon acknowledging and leveraging its own considerable limitations as an international actor.
Oiling the Albanian economy
Despite its undoubted potential, Albania's fledgling oil industry is being constrained by a lack of domestic capital and political paralysis that is deterring foreign investors and inhibiting growth.
The battle of Tirana
Elections for the mayoralty of Tirana on May 8th will not only have profound ramifications for politics at the local and national level, but will also provide Albania with an important opportunity to prove its democratic credentials and political maturity to an expectant Europe.
Cross-border cooperation in the Western Balkans – roadblocks and prospects
Whilst business-related initiatives continue to drive regional and cross-border cooperation, politics and implementation capacity have failed to live-up to the standards expected by the plethora of international bodies engaged in strengthening this key area.
Albania’s divisive political atmosphere – time for a change
Amidst the threat of further political fragmentation, Albania should launch an independent investigation into the deaths of four protesters and ensure that May's local elections are both free and fair.
Re-linking the Western Balkans – the energy dimension
This policy report analyzes the challenges that the Western Balkan countries face in their efforts to increase energy efficiency, reduce import dependency and expand renewable energy sources, whilst simultaneously aligning their legislation and policies with the EU's acquis communautaire.
The Greek-Macedonian dispute – time to return to the drawing board?
Facilitating a compromise between the respective parties to the name issue requires a better understanding of the multi-layered character of the dispute, the historically conditioned perspectives of the parties, and the main actors and their perceived interests.
Peacekeeping in Kosovo
Peacekeeping in Kosovo requires continuous efforts to help local Albanians and Serbs co-exist next to each other while working to find ways for them to... Read More