The Western Balkans in the World Linkages and Relations with Non-Western Countries Southeast European Studies Series

This book provides a detailed understanding of how different types of engagements impact upon the reform and EU integration of the Western Balkan region. It examines the influence of Russia, China, Turkey and the UAE in the region and analyses the range of existing links.

Contributors offer an academic and multifaceted perspective of the role of external and non-Western actors in the region that goes beyond, on the one hand, the tendency of some Western decision makers to perceive all engagement by third powers as a sinister threat and, on the other, the view of regional governments of all external involvement as a boon coming at a time of Western neglect and reduced foreign investments. By looking at the importance of Russia, Turkey, China and the UAE in the Western Balkans, the book sheds light on one key arena of global competition, offers new insights on the strengths and weaknesses of Euro?Atlantic integration and advances our knowledge of foreign policy and its economic, social and security dimensions for small and medium-sized countries.

It will be of interest to academics, postgraduate and research students, and think-tankers with research interest in IR and Southeast European Studies. European decision makers will also gain an insight into the extent of non-Western influence in the region.

Introduction: The Influence of External Actors in the Western Balkans

Part I Regional Dynamics

Chapter 1 Security co-operation in the Western Balkans: Cracks and erosion of Euro-Atlantic integration?

Chapter 2 The economic development of the Western Balkans: The importance of non-EU actors

Part II Western Balkan Case Studies

Chapter 3 Serbia: Looking East, going West?

Chapter 4 Bosnia and Herzegovina: Abandoned by the West, embraced by the East?

Chapter 5 Kosovo: Between Western and Non-Western States

Chapter 6 North Macedonia: A fertile ground for external influences

Chapter 7 Montenegro: Always at a Crossroads

Chapter 8 Albania: New Geopolitics and shifting linkages

Part III Non-Western Countries

Chapter 9 Russia: Playing a Weak Hand Well

Chapter 10 China: A New Geoeconomic Approach to the Balkans

Chapter 11 Turkey: Forced marriage or marriage of convenience with the Western Balkans?

Chapter 12 UAE: Sultanism meets illiberal democracy.

Conclusions

Florian Bieber is Professor for Southeast European History and Politics at the University of Graz and director of the Centre for Southeast European Studies.

Nikolaos Tzifakis is Associate Professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science and International Relations of the University of the Peloponnese.