Kosovo – the EU’s many voices
The EU's policies in the Western Balkans - particularly vis-a-vis Kosovo - threaten to undermine its credibility as an international actor and raise profound questions about the very future of its burgeoning Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Bosnia – the international community and the role of ‘experts’
Even if we accept that the international community had to act pragmatically in imposing the Dayton Accords and Bosnia-Herzegovina’s constitution, the current criticisms cannot merely... Read More
Salience and emotion
Progress toward more effective management of regional disputes will be possible only if leaders emerge inside the region capable and willing to channel their own and their followers’ emotions toward negotiations everyone accepts from the outset will lead to painful sacrifices on everyone’s part.
Kosovo – another attempt to abolish the UN in the north?
Should the Kosovo government end funding of the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Administration in Mitrovica (UAM), it will cut-off one of the few institutional linkages between north Mitrovica and Pristina.
On-line journalism – fostering a spirit of intolerance?
With on-line journalism increasingly fostering a spirit of intolerance and unaccountability, more effective regulation - including the licensing of on-line journalists - needs to be considered as a potential remedy to hate speech on-line.
Sarajevo – beyond the siege
Over twenty years on from the onset of war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ted Lieverman explores the progress of Sarajevo's recovery - or not - from the almost four-year long siege.
Kosovo – the referendum reconsidered
Having achieved its aim of demonstrating that the northern resistance to the imposition of Pristina institutions is a genuine popular response, and not the result of criminal coercion, it is now time to reconsider the planned 15th February referendum.
Syntagma
Lucas Oldwine's short film, 'Syntagma', explores the protests that gripped Athens in the summer of 2011; a vociferous and cohesive response against social injustices exposed and created by the economic crisis.
Congratulations, Kosovo
Self-congratulatory remarks by the International Civilian Representative for Kosovo juxtaposes oddly with demonstrations on both the Serbian and Kosovar Albanian sides that underscore that the situation... Read More
Kosovo – who does the ISG speak for?
With the ISG saying it plans to leave by the end of 2012, even whilst outstanding issues - including the north - remain, the UN must be prepared to play an essential buffering role between the two sides in the status dispute.
Peacebuilding and Bach
The music of Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly his organ music, redresses the balance from a bleak view of human affairs to a saner and more hopeful perspective.
“What is good for Serbia is good for Russia”
Whether or not relations with Russia are an obstacle to Serbia's EU integration will depend, in part, on the EU's ability to find a solution that will allow it to integrate both Serbia and Kosovo.
Kosovo – if EULEX leaves, then what?
The departure of EULEX from Kosovo would leave a vacuum in the international framework for rule of law which - in the absence of changes to UN Security Council Resolution 1244 - the UN would be required to fill.
Bosnia – between ethnic-nationalism and Europeanization
The process of ethnic-nationalization witnessed in post-war Bosnia and Herzegovina is incompatible with the very norms, values and conditions of European membership.
The former Yugoslavia’s language conundrum
Whilst nationalism continues to rear its head in the former Yugoslavia, so language will continue to act as a divisive, as opposed to unifying, force.
Memories, large and small
The term “The West” obscures periodic and sharp changes in the myths and content of Western demands on Balkan, Middle Eastern, and other actors.
Towards reconciliation – dealing with the past or leaving it behind?
A conference in Priština, entitled "How I see it" , provided young Serbs and Albanians from both Kosovo and Serbia, respectively, with an opportunity to discuss issues concerning reconciliation, transitional justice and EU integration.
Kosovo – what 2012 might bring
Though various factors suggest a strong effort to remove north Kosovo as an element of contention between Serbia and the West, the possibility of continued stalemate remains and the danger of renewed conflict cannot be excluded.
Cyprus – the drama unfolds
Given the on-going political crisis over hydro-carbon exploitation rights, plus a pending July 2012 deadline by which Greek Cypriots will assume the rotating EU Presidency, the failure of UN-mandated talks over reunification seems inevitable.
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.
Kosovo – Serbia, the EU and Germany
Europe seems to be allowing Germany to lead it into a historic blunder by freezing Serbia out rather than bringing it in.
Macedonia and Greece – back to square one?
Despite the ICJ ruling that Greece had breached its obligation under the 1995 Interim Accord, the dispute is back to square one, with few signs of genuine interest to find a lasting resolution.
Novi Pazar’s shared cultural heritage
Celebrating and instrumentalising shared cultural heritage in Novi Pazar carries enormous potential for creating a positive platform for dialogue between its two main communities.
Serbia and the EU – who needs who?
Though the EU - seemingly motivated by the US and "led" by Germany - rejected Serbia's candidacy over its continued 'refusal' to surrender Kosovo, it is increasingly apparent that the EU needs the Balkans inside even more than the Balkans needs to get inside.
Quo vadis, Serbia?
Despite Europe’s general loss of interest in further expansion, Serbia's state of aporia keeps it riveted to the European Union; leaving the country without a road, much less a roadmap.
