Problem sigurnosti u jugoistočnoj Evropi
The Problem of Security in Southeastern Europe

Summary/Abstract: The era of conflicts over religion, ideology, and contested state borders in the Western Balkans seems to have passed. Relative tranquility in the region was imposed from the outside and has been maintained, inter alia, by two international protectorates. But the suppression of armed violence has not equated to long-term stability, and an undercurrent of nationalism, intolerance, and interethnic hatred still exists. Thus, there is still potential for interethnic conflict and further fragmentation of the ex-Yugoslav geopolitical space, where despite improved relations, a number of unresolved issues remain. While the formerly Communist-ruled Balkan states have drastically reduced their military forces and defense outlays, the two oldest NATO members in the region – Turkey and Greece – have maintained high levels of defense spending. Southeastern Europe (SEE) has also been exposed to a number of non-military threats to security, including organized crime, corruption, natural and ecological disasters, climate change, and energy insecurity. So far, no regionally-generated initiatives for enhanced cooperation have proven viable; and so the inclusion of Southeastern European countries into Euro-Atlantic integrations offers the best promise.

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