Publisher: IFIMES Mednarodni inštitut za bližnjevzhodne in balkanske študije

Swiss model for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Swiss model for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Franjo Topić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Bosnian constitutional system; Dayton Agreement:

HerzegovinaAlmost thirty years after the signing of the Dayton Peace Agreement, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is still in a sort of coma, and some say that there has never been a worse crisis, which is often said since the war. This text is not daily-political and should not be interpreted as such, but the thinking of an engaged intellectual who cares about all of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all the citizens and peoples of this country, and especially about peace in BiH and the world. As the famous saying goes: Without a peaceful Bosnia, there is no peaceful Europe. Now BiH has a chance on March 21, 2024 to start negotiations for joining the European Union, which is truly the most important political fact since Dayton.

Terror, Terrorism and the search for destructive forms of Reparative Justice

Terror, Terrorism and the search for destructive forms of Reparative Justice

Author(s): Danila Genovese / Language(s): English

Keywords: terrorism; Al Ghurabaa; Anjoum Choudary; Abu Izzadeen;

By presenting an analysis of my four-year ethnographical work with members of al Ghurabaa and the Saved Sect, two British Islamist parties banned for glorifying terrorism (Terrorism Act 2006, section 2), and partially involved in terrorist attacks in Britain and abroad, this article attempts to open up new lines of enquiry on Islamism, Islamists in Britain and the dynamics of radicalization among young Islamists, as members of a minority community in Britain.

Youth and Elections - Shaping the EU's future

Youth and Elections - Shaping the EU's future

Author(s): Bogoljub J. Karić / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU-elections;

According to certain experts, the insufficient representation of young voters has a detrimental impact on the quality of decisions made in both local and national representative bodies. This is because these bodies tend to focus excessively on past issues rather than addressing future developmental concerns. Thus, lowering the voting age to 16, as proposed, would foster a more balanced intergenerational influence on local and national decision-making processes. It is time to take decisive action, such as lowering the voting age, to empower young people to actively participate in shaping their future in the present moment.

Why Russia is pleased with the Brexit?

Why Russia is pleased with the Brexit?

Author(s): Pnina Shuker / Language(s): English

Keywords: Brexit; EU, Russia-EU relation;

The Israel- Palestine Conflict - IV

The Israel- Palestine Conflict - IV

Author(s): J Scott Younger / Language(s): English

Keywords: Gaza;

The Israel – Palestine conflict has now been a hot topic in the news ever since the brutal attack by Hamas on the kibbutz and surrounds, located just outside the south of the Gaza strip on 7th October last year. The whole strip was penned in by a strong safety fence which had been put up by Israel a few years earlier, such that the Palestinians were reminded that they were in a kind of prison dependent on power and water, and so that PM Benjamin Netanyahu could keep them apart-- apartheid. Hamas, while still controlling the strip, although much in the minority, wanted to show the vulnerability of the fence. They did but went much too far.

Serbia, Youth, and the EU

Serbia, Youth, and the EU

Author(s): Bogoljub J. Karić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia and EU;

Recent public opinion surveys have revealed a significant decline in support for EU membership among the citizens of Serbia, raising concerns. Only slightly over 40 per cent of Serbia's citizens want membership in the EU. I find this data disheartening, particularly as it underscores a troubling lack of interest among the youth in this prospect. Concurrently, there has been a notable increase in interest towards alternative integrations, such as BRICS.

Russian Presidential Election: A Referendum on Putin’s Leadership

Russian Presidential Election: A Referendum on Putin’s Leadership

Author(s): Lily Ong / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; Presidential Election; Putin; leadership;

Putin has them and their satellites to thank, for unleashing relentless sanctions in the delirious dream that they could crush the world’s largest country. Instead of bringing Russia to its knees as contrived and fervently hoped, the sanctions backfired in more ways than one, magnetizing more Russians to their leader’s side. Proving to his people once again that he is tried, true and tested, Putin has dexterously steered his country through an ongoing, arduous hour of unprecedented sanctions meant to inflict economic pain of the harshest kind on his countrymen.

Middle Corridor: Eurasia Optimized

Middle Corridor: Eurasia Optimized

Author(s): Zhuldyz Ramazanova / Language(s): English

Keywords: Eurasia; middle corridor; geopolitics; tensions; trade;

In our globally interconnected world, roads are the arteries of economic progress. Thus, recent incidents, such as attacks by the Yemeni Houthis on cargo ships in the Suez Canal, emphasize the critical importance of secure transportation routes. As global attention pivots, the spotlight now converges on the Central Asian region - an important nexus able to interlink diverse corners of the world. In a period characterized by ever-increasing geopolitical tensions, the emergence of the Middle Corridor, as an alternative to established trade norms, isn't merely an economic prospect – it is a transformative force that can switch powers and roles.

Regional ambitions through trade? Tracing Kazakhstan’s Aspirations from a Taliban-ruled government in Afghanistan

Regional ambitions through trade? Tracing Kazakhstan’s Aspirations from a Taliban-ruled government in Afghanistan

Author(s): Anant Mishra,Christian Kaunert / Language(s): English

Keywords: Kazakhstan; Afghanistan; trade; policy; Talibans;

As the world transcended into 2024, the situation in Afghanistan remains unchanged even after two years of Taliban rule. The state continues to suffer from an acute humanitarian crisis, and in accordance with the latest report published by the UNICEF, in 2024, an estimated 23.7 million people – more than half of local Afghan population – are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. The Afghan economy remains fragile, completely reliant on external humanitarian aid and remittances from donor nations. According to some scholars, this situation can be attributed to expulsion/forced migration of undocumented Afghans refugees from Pakistan, directly affecting the lives of almost 1.3 million Afghans.

Who lost the battle, and who will win the great war?

Who lost the battle, and who will win the great war?

Author(s): Dejan Azeski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Ukraine; Russia; war; situation; NATO;

We are steadily approaching the beginning of the third year of the war in Ukraine, referred to by the Russian side as a Special Military Operation. Up to this point, we have witnessed a duel between the best weapons and tactics of both Russia and the NATO alliance, unfortunately resulting in hundreds of thousands of fatal casualties on both sides. We have seen numerous sacrifices and the uncompromising struggle of both armies, yet what remains elusive is the current outcome of the battles and any indication of who might emerge as the clear victor in this clash of civilizations, and whether there will ever be one. As things stand currently, the Russian military holds a more advantageous position. Not only have they withstood a six-month offensive by the finest NATO arsenal with almost no loss of captured territory, but they now seem poised to launch their own offensive. However, this does not necessarily signify a definitive outcome, as the scale and stakes in this war are so immense that a single battle cannot alter the course of such a vast conceptual showdown between two opposing sides of our planet.

Israel-Palestine Conflagration – Part III

Israel-Palestine Conflagration – Part III

Author(s): J Scott Younger / Language(s): English

Keywords: Israel; Palestine; Gaza; conflct;

Gen (ret’d) Corneliu Pivariu, Member of IFIMES Advisory Board, presented a profound article on the Gaza conflict, now in its third month. There is no end in sight with over 20,000 Palestinians dead, many more to come through bombs or starvation unless we can get the parties to agree an end to hostilities. Hostilities will end one day, as they always do. But with so many children and younger generation traumatized and scarred by this dreadful experience, over 6,000 at least dead at the last count, never mind the injured, we risk a few ending up as a next generation of Hamas terrorists, God forbid.

SYRIZA: The rise and fall of the cult left-wing party in Europe - Reflections on the right wing

SYRIZA: The rise and fall of the cult left-wing party in Europe - Reflections on the right wing

Author(s): Tomi Dimitrovski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Syriza; Greece; politics; leftist movement;

The foundation of the leftist movement in Greece is the SYNASPISMOS coalition, which was established in 1991. SYNASPISMOS was also one of the founders of the Party of the European Left (PEL) in Rome in 2004. In Greece, the successor of SYNASPISMOS is the radical-left coalition named SYRIZA, which is actually the syllabic abbreviation of the full name of the coalition in Greek. SYRIZA was established in 2004 by several leftist and extreme-left parties. The first president of SYRIZA was Alekos Alavanos (1950). He is a moderate left-wing politician and was the party leader until 2008. These years were filled with numerous tensions between the coalition partners and marked by modest results at parliamentary and local elections. Many in Greece associated these two parties with anarchist groups, which frequently caused unrests in Greece.

Transforming Serbia into a 'joint-stock company'?

Transforming Serbia into a 'joint-stock company'?

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia; politics; governance; elections; 2023;

In the Republic of Serbia, the concluding phase of the electoral campaign is in full swing for the extraordinary parliamentary elections, extraordinary elections for the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and extraordinary local elections for the capital city of Belgrade, along with an additional 65 local self-governments. Scheduled for 17 December 2023, these elections are regarded as the most significant since those held in 2012. Notably, they are characterized by an unprecedented ‘dirty’ and brutal pre-election campaign with a pronounced focus on discreditation.

Extraordinary elections in Serbia 2023: Bid to restore tycoons' rule in Serbia?

Extraordinary elections in Serbia 2023: Bid to restore tycoons' rule in Serbia?

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia; politics; governance; elections; 2023; analysis;

Extraordinary parliamentary elections in Serbia, extraordinary elections for the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and extraordinary local elections for the capital city of Belgrade and an additional 65 local self-governments will take place on 17 December 2023. According to analysts, these elections are considered the most important since 2012.

The ‘Karić model’ for shared prosperity

The ‘Karić model’ for shared prosperity

Author(s): Bogoljub J. Karić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Bogoljub Karić; model prosperity; politics;

My journey of business peacemaking began in 1973. At that time, we had a private company despite never being members of the Communist Party. During that era, lacking party endorsement meant nearly all the doors were closed, and business opportunities were exclusively granted to companies whose leaders held party membership. Consequently, our generations-old clergy family found itself destined for failure, left with no option but to survive and prosper. My father served as a peacemaker, reconciler, a mediator among feuding families in Kosovo - a role that extends through my grandfather and ancestors. As a family of priests, we were always there for all neighbors and fellow citizens grappling with problems, such as, for example, blood feuds. In such situations, both Serbs and Albanians would always reach out to us. My ancestors consistently played a role in mediation and reconciliation, passing down this gift to me. Thus, by respecting and cherishing my family and continuing its traditions, I am committed to actively fostering reconciliation among Serbian families in Kosovo, Albanian families in Kosovo, and, most challenging of all, reconciliation between Serbian and Albanian families. I believe that the ability for successful mediation is a gift from God, inherited from my family.

Extraordinary elections in Serbia 2023: Domestic and foreign factors vying for influence

Extraordinary elections in Serbia 2023: Domestic and foreign factors vying for influence

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia; 2023; elections; domestic and foreign factors;

On December 17, 2023, the Republic of Serbia will hold extraordinary parliamentary elections, elections for the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, and local elections for the capital city of Belgrade, along with an additional 65 local self-governments. According to the proportional representation system employed for parliamentary elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, 250 members of parliament will be elected. Approximately 6.5 million registered voters are eligible to exercise their voting rights across over 8,000 polling stations.

After the Local Elections in Greece 2023: The Loss of Athens and Thessaloniki Shakes the Dominance of New Democracy

After the Local Elections in Greece 2023: The Loss of Athens and Thessaloniki Shakes the Dominance of New Democracy

Author(s): Tomi Dimitrovski / Language(s): English

Keywords: Greece; 2023; local elections; local administration;

Greece has a specific local administration system consisting of 332 municipalities and 13 prefectures. The second round of local elections took place on 8 October 2023. The newly elected mayors and prefects will serve a five-year term from 1 January 2024, to 31 December 2028. The ruling conservative party, New Democracy, a member of the European People's Party (EPP), secured victory in the local elections but failed to achieve its initially set objective. It captured only eight out of the targeted 13 prefectures and 202 municipalities, which is eight more than in the 2019 elections. The PASOK party, a member of the Party of European Socialists (PES), won 78 municipalities, a decrease of 14 compared to the results in 2019. The leftist SYRIZA party secured 15 mayoral positions, five less than in 2019. Candidates endorsed by PASOK and SYRIZA claimed victory in nine municipalities. The Communist Party (KKE) triumphed in six municipalities, four more than in 2019. The most notable accomplishment of the KKE in these elections was its victory in the city of Patras. Independent candidates will govern 22 municipalities from 2024 onwards, which is eight more than in the previous elections.

Serbia – Kosovo 2023: The disinformation war

Serbia – Kosovo 2023: The disinformation war

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia; Kosovo; 2023; disinformation; conflict; tensions;

As the end of 2023 approaches, tensions in the relationship between Serbia and Kosovo are on the rise. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, coupled with the local elections in northern Kosovo's municipalities of Mitrovica, Leposavić, Zvečan, and Zubin Potok, which were boycotted by members of the majority Serbian community, have led to an upsurge in tensions and violence. In February 2023, envoys from France, Germany, the EU, the US, and Italy met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić (SNS) and Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti (LVV) in an attempt to persuade them to sign a plan aimed at calming tensions and achieving full normalization of relations. The outcome was the unsigned Ohrid Agreement, outlining the parties' specific commitments for implementation. More recently, Azerbaijan initiated a military operation, successfully reclaiming the secessionist enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, an event that consequently reverberates in its implications for the situation in Kosovo.

Security and Diplomacy in the Western Balkans

Security and Diplomacy in the Western Balkans

Author(s): Milan Jazbec / Language(s): English

Keywords: Security in Europe;

The perspective of the author is that of a government official and diplomat from what Jazbec himself calls “a small country” in the region. But the scope of the book is breathtaking, since it en compasses some of the most sweeping changes emanating from Eastern Europe in the 1990s and analyses international activity in this regard since that time. More to the point, Jazbec focuses on how “a small country” – his country, Slovenia – has made a considerable contribution to the positive forward movement of these developments. As a par ticipant himself in the process, Jazbec provides up-close first hand accounts of how the Slovenians confronted these changes and what they did to assist the international community to deal with them. Milan Jazbec refers to a new “security matrix” in Europe, and, against this background, he traces the emergence of 22 new states from the dissolutions of Yugoslavia, the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia. He highlights the past activities and the future capabilities of multilateral associations, such as OSCE, NATO, the EU and others. And, an entire section of the book on “The West ern Balkans” gives detailed and thoroughly researched analysis of each of the Southeast European states.

Twentieth Anniversary of the End of the Cold War: 1989 – 2009

Twentieth Anniversary of the End of the Cold War: 1989 – 2009

Author(s): Milan Jazbec / Language(s): Slovenian

Keywords: Cold War remembrance;

Our thoughts have the ambition to reconsider, from selected aspects and in a generalized sense, what happened twenty years ago and how we look at it today. At the same time, we will reach out to different areas and here and there rely on the broader time period just indicated and try to justify the hypothesis that it is, on the one hand, a continuous, complementary and unpredictable process of change, and on the other hand, a logical historical process , which science should nevertheless understand and predict to a certain extent, since there were enough signs, as well as past experiences. The latter is all the more so if we know that Auguste Commte laid the maxim in the foundation of sociology as a science of society that its goal is to analyze in order to understand, and to understand in order to be able to predict. Last but not least, it is the same, although in a symbolic way, Prešeren also said when he wrote in the fifth gazelle, "the year begins to grow old already in the spring": when a process is at the peak of its activity, we can already perceive signs of its change in it. With this, we clearly indicated that we will also touch on the phenomenon and the city of Slovenia in this process. With all of the above, it is above all true that even at the end of our thinking we will still have more questions than answers, although perhaps still and at the same time at least a little less vague.