THE FUTURE OF THE WESTERN BALKANS AFTER RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE: WHAT’S NEXT?

Center for Peace, and Transcultural Communication (2025) THE FUTURE OF THE WESTERN BALKANS AFTER RUSSIAN AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE: WHAT’S NEXT? Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication, University of Tetova, North Macedonia. ISBN 978-608-217-145-6

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Abstract

It is with great pride and deep appreciation that I present this important thematic volume, “The Future of the Western Balkans after Russian Aggression on Ukraine: What’s next?” In this book, leading scholars, policymakers, and regional experts come together to offer invaluable insights into the pressing issues that define the future trajectory of the Western Balkans in the wake of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine. For over two decades, the Western Balkans have been on the path toward EU integration, yet meaningful progress toward accession remains elusive. However, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has reshaped their European prospects, introducing new dynamics and challenges. The war has dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape, and its reverberations are keenly felt across Europe, with particular implications for the stability, security, and prosperity of the Western Balkans. The contributions in this volume are both timely and necessary. They provide a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the region—from political and economic shifts to the renewal of security and defense frameworks. These essays delve into the region’s European integration process, the impact of shifting alliances, the importance of NATO and the EU, as well as the broader implications of migration, governance, and ethnic tensions. What sets this collection apart is the depth of analysis and the quality of the contributions, which reflect the authors’ profound expertise and their commitment to fostering a better future for the region. I commend each of the authors for their rigorous research and thoughtful reflections. Their contributions not only enrich our understanding of the current landscape but also help illuminate pathways to peace, cooperation, and resilience in a region that has historically faced great challenges. I would like to express my special appreciation to each one of them for their insightful perspectives, which offer a roadmap for tackling the complex issues at hand. In addition to the publication of this book, we recognize the need for continued dialogue and critical analysis in the years to come. The situation in the Western Balkans is fluid, and ongoing monitoring of regional threats and challenges is essential for fostering peace and progress. The Center for Peace and Transcultural Communication at the University of Tetova envisions the creation of a regular monitoring mechanism, aimed at reporting on such timely issues, ensuring that the region remains a focal point for scholarly attention and policy development. Regular reporting on these challenges will be critical to understanding the evolving security, political, and economic dynamics of the Western Balkans, and ultimately, to safeguarding peace and stability in the region. As we look to the future, this book serves as a vital reference point for those interested in understanding the complexities of the Western Balkans and the broader European context. It is my hope that it will contribute to informed policy-making and constructive dialogue, both within the region and on the global stage. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who contributed to this book and to those who will continue to engage with its contents as we collectively work towards a peaceful and prosperous future for the Western Balkans.

Item Type:	Book
Subjects:	J Political Science > JZ International relations
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Humanities
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited:	14 Mar 2025 14:22
Last Modified:	17 Mar 2025 10:44
URI:	http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/1983

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