STRATEGIC ALIGNMENTS AND GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS: THE BALKAN THEATRE IN THE RUSSO-WESTERN POWER PLAY
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENTS AND GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS: THE BALKAN THEATRE IN THE RUSSO-WESTERN POWER PLAY

Summary/Abstract: This paper investigates the contemporary geopolitical struggle for influence in the Balkans between the Western powers and Russia. It discusses the implications of geopolitical dynamics for regional stability and inter national relations, emphasising the strategic use of diplomacy by Russia and Western actors, their economic investments and soft power in the Western Balkans. The evolution of European Union and NATO policies towards the Balkans reflect the wider goals of integrating the region into Western political and economic structures while the Russian strategic manoeuvres revolve around using the region’s political vulnerability and maintaining strategic ties with its counterparts in the region with whom they share ideological and religious ties. This paper seeks to reveal the initiatives, tools and resources used by the opponents to exert influence in the Western Balkans.

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