Are the Balkans in a permanent tug of war between NATO-Russia?
From the Kosovo-Serbia border, to Bosnia, to even Greece and Turkish tensions, the broader Balkans region faces perpetual instability. Are Russia and NATO to blame?
The Balkans is a hotspot of geopolitics. Russia and Vladimir Putin continue to interfere across the region, especially via Serbia, which threatens conflict with Kosovo, and potential civil war in Bosnia, as NATO and Western countries seek to intervene too.
James Ker-Lindsay, visiting fellow at London School of Economics, and l debated on this geopolitical tug of war and disturbing destabilisation effects it is causing.
Takeaways
The elections in Serbia have raised concerns about the lack of free and open debate and media control.
The sentiment in Serbia is complex, with a small group in Belgrade having a more liberal outlook than the wider population.
The situation in Bosnia is a major concern, with tensions between different communities and the potential for destabilization.
The tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the influence of Russia, pose challenges to finding a resolution.
Understanding the dynamics of the region and the role of external actors is crucial in addressing the issues in the Balkans.
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Disclaimer: this talk is but one perspective. Its not intended to be exhaustive nor reflective of all the factors at play. Nor is it an attack on a specific country and people - criticism of a government is not a criticism of the people.
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