Muslims in the Balkans have traditionally been and continue to be moderate, and post-war extremism in the region has yet to translate itself into widespread domestic violence. Nevertheless, ISIS has had some success in recruiting fighters for the wars in Syria and Iraq from the region.
Read More »A NATO future for the Western Balkans?
The Western Balkans know that, in the long-term, they have more to gain from the West than the East – and the European Union’s continuous stalling leaves a void that needs to be filled. Stronger engagement with and on the part of NATO, regardless of how far it goes, will bring nothing but benefits to both sides and Europe as a whole.
Read More »President Macron and France’s Security Crisis
The new French President, Emmanuel Macron, primarily focused on economic issues and the EU during the course of his campaign. However, rather than dismissing the concerns of Ms. Le Pen and her supporters as fear-mongering, he needs to implement a coherent policy to improve the security situation that is not just a continuation of the old, reactionary approach to the crisis.
Read More »Stability at the expense of democracy? Serbia’s renewed fight against dictatorship
The Serbian people are not out in the streets because this was not the election result they expected – they are out in the streets because they know what the result means for their future in the next five years. As things stand, Vucic’s win is a gain for stability but a loss for democracy – and it is high time that the two started being treated as equals again.
Read More »The Trouble with Missile Defense: Reinvigorating Deterrence by Denial
Over the past fifty years, the United States has increasingly focused on missile defense to deter threats against its strategic interests and those of its partners. Unfortunately, the acquisition and planning emphasis on defensive systems has resulted in a loss of attention to offensive capabilities.
Read More »Fire and Ice: The Defence of Norway and NATO’s Northern Flank
Following an extended period in which Norway could focus its military efforts in the Middle East and Asia, Oslo is now having to face threats closer to home. NATO also has a major role in the defence of Norway and the surrounding region, but serious questions remain over the progress it has made in meeting the challenges on its northern flank.
Read More »All eyes on Macedonia
Macedonia has been in political limbo for the past two years. The current protests can, at best, achieve a political compromise – the party in power may change, but the abuses for which punishment was called by the population will be forgotten, and Macedonia will move forward as if they never happened.
Read More »Trump, the Western Balkans and Russia: Reigniting the Powderkeg?
The Western Balkans have been receiving their fair share of attention from the international media lately. However, such alarmist talk often forgets that this is a region that is still recovering from recent bloodshed – and one that has more to lose than gain from its return.
Read More »What NATO Did Next
With the inadequacy of the immediate defensive measures taken by NATO as a result of the Ukraine crisis now clear both in their own terms and in light of Russia's actions in Syria, the alliance has embarked on a build-up that is helping to close the defensive gap.
Read More »Bulgaria’s Presidential Elections: Political Pragmatism at its Finest
For the past more than two decades, Bulgaria has sought to have the best of both worlds – and succeeded. When new President Rumen Radev says that good ties with both the West and Russia are not incompatible, the recent history of his country indicates he is right.
Read More »