Publisher: IFIMES Mednarodni inštitut za bližnjevzhodne in balkanske študije

International scientific journal European Perspectives

International scientific journal European Perspectives

Frequency: 2 issues / Country: Slovenia

European Perspectives is a scientific journal that publishes original, peer-reviewed scientific articles focusing on relevant political, sociological, social, security, economic and legal as well as ethnic, cross-ethnic, minority and cross-cultural issues related to European and Euro-Atlantic integration process. European Perspectives covers a wide range of topics that are important for the countries of the Western Balkans on their way to the EU and form the basis of the accession negotiations (35 chapters). We also welcome papers focusing on regional integration processes especially in comparison with the Western Balkans or with experiences and lessons learned, useful for this purpose. The emphasis is also on promotion of young, not yet established authors. According to the mission and outreach of the Publisher – the Institute IFIMES (Special Consultative Status with ECOSOC since 2018), the journal publishes also articles on topics from around the world, provided they contain a useful lesson for the region of the Western Balkans and its European path.

Thoughts of Romania’s Foreign Policy on the Background of the European Foreign Policy

Thoughts of Romania’s Foreign Policy on the Background of the European Foreign Policy

Author(s): Corneliu Pivariu / Language(s): English

Keywords: Romania; foreign policy; European policy; geopolitics; security; economy;

In the last decade the strategic, political, economic, military, energy and technological balances were strongly affected by global challenges, strategic, political, juridical and technological disruptions each one impacting on one or several fields. Human society is in a evolutionary crisis which the main international traditional players are not able yet to manage properly and each one of them seeks to position itself as profitable as possible in anticipation of a new world order in a globalized world. The developments are fast and often momentous, and as one of the attendees noted – important geopolitical events that occurred in the last two months are equaling the ones that took place in the last decade.

3De-evolution of Europe - The equation of Communism with Nazism

3De-evolution of Europe - The equation of Communism with Nazism

Author(s): Anis H. Bajrektarević / Language(s): English

Keywords: Communism; Nazism; Europe; politics; 20th century; 21st century; 19th century;

It was indeed cynical and out-of-touch for the EU (Parliament) to suddenly blame, after 80 years, the Soviet Union for triggering WWII. It is unwise (to say least) to resurrect the arguments surrounding the circumstances of the start of World War II. The historians have agreed, the history has been written and well documented, and is in our books already for many decades. There is no point in contemporary politicians of eastern flank of the EU (with a striking but complicit silence from the central Europe) pushing up the facts regarding who was to blame. There are neither mandated, nor qualified or even expected to do so.

Vladimir Putin’s politics in harmony with the Orthodox Church - The Rebirth of the Patriarch of Moscow

Vladimir Putin’s politics in harmony with the Orthodox Church - The Rebirth of the Patriarch of Moscow

Author(s): Filippo Romeo / Language(s): English

Keywords: Orthodox Church; Vladimir Putin; politics; Patriarch of Moscow; identity;

The Orthodox Church and the Christian tradition have always assumed a role of primary importance in Russian history and tradition. The origins of Christianity in Russia go back to 988 and coincide with the baptism of Prince Vladimir the Great. He had come to Constantinople, following which the evangelization of the Principality Kievan Rus’ started. The latter included the space currently occupied by the areas of Russia, the Ukraine and Belarus, considered the predecessor of the Russian Empire. Formed by Igor in 882, the Principality Kievan Rus’ is the first political form organised by the Oriental Slav tribes placed on those territories. This gave rise to the common orthodox faith and the Russian people’s sense of national belonging. Retracing the path of the Principality one can indeed observe that the Orthodox Christian Faith was immediately embraced by those populations. It also succeeded in asserting itself in the Eastern zones, where there was strong pagan influence. This barely digested the advent of the new creed and accompanied their evolution, acting as a stalwart for the Country’s national and cultural identity. Orthodoxy is even granted with Scripture, which is surely a culture’s fundamental principle. It was introduced via the spread of Christianity among the Slav tribes through the creation of the Cyrillic characters due to two great saints, Cyril and Methodius. It also constituted the prerequisite for the political and cultural development of the Principality of Kiev, leaving a heritage that would last even after its disintegration.

The Future of Turkey after the Last Elections: the Kurdish question and the economic outlook

The Future of Turkey after the Last Elections: the Kurdish question and the economic outlook

Author(s): Diego Del Priore / Language(s): English

Keywords: Turkey; future; Kurdish question; last elections; economic policy;

The last parliamentary elections in Turkey mark a political and an institutional turning point in the country's history. The importance of the vote derives from two main factors. Firstly, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu's Party of Justice and Development (AKP) has lost its parliamentary majority, although it remains the largest party in the Parliament with 258 seats and 40.9% of the votes. This is the first time that the party has been in this position since 2002, when the AKP swept to power and retained a majority in the Turkish Parliament. However, the AKP failed to achieve its objective of 350 seats, as the party leader and president of the Republic since August 2014, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, had hoped.

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict over Crimea

The Russian-Ukrainian conflict over Crimea

Author(s): Anton Bebler / Language(s): English

Keywords: Russia; Ukraine; conflict; Crimea; geopolitics; security;

For the last four decades security in Europe has been burdened by armed violence accompanying the disintegration of a number of states in the Eastern Mediterranean, Western Balkans and the territory of the former Soviet Union. They have resulted in the creation of many new internationally recognised states, unrecognised state-like entities and unresolved ‘frozen’ conflicts. A probable newcomer to the last type appeared in spring 2014 – the Ukrainian-Russian conflict over Crimea. Most of the international community does not recognise its annexation by Russia and considers that Crimea still belongs to Ukraine. The annexation and related attempted secessions and armed hostilities in Eastern Ukraine have worsened the West’s relations with Russia and the general political climate in the EuroAtlantic area. The political and legal stand-off between Ukraine and Russia has created an additional ‘frozen’ conflict in Europe.

The genocide in Srebrenica (and in Rwanda) and its impact on the development of international law

The genocide in Srebrenica (and in Rwanda) and its impact on the development of international law

Author(s): Ernest Petrič / Language(s): English

Keywords: Srebrenica; genocide; Rwanda; international law; BiH; war; 90s; ICJ;

In Srebrenica the crime of genocide was committed, and elsewhere in Bosnia and Herzegovina crimes against humanity and war crimes were also committed. This is the conclusion, which was drawn by the ICJ in the Bosnia and Herzegovina versus Serbia/Montenegro case. I, as a lawyer and as a person, share the criticism of the ICJ judgement in this case. The mass murders in Bosnia and Herzegovina of Muslims/Boshniacs went on for three years from the summer of 1992 until the Srebrenica massacre in the summer of 1995. Mass graves are still being discovered. It is no doubt that there were several ten thousands murdered in an organised way because they were Muslims/Boshniacs, in Srebrenica, in Prijedor, in Bijelina, Višegrad etc., with a clearly defined purpose (dolus specialis) to cleanse parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina of its Muslim population. Indeed, like "holocaust", which was also committed over several years, from 1939 to 1945 at different places, with the same purpose (dolus specialis) – to exterminate Jews from Germany and parts of Europe controlled by the Nazis. Surprisingly too many, the majority in the ICJ opted for a narrow interpretation of the Convention on Prevention and Punishment of Genocide drafted in special historic circumstances in the early years after 1945. There are thus good reasons to claim that the crime of genocide was not limited only to Srebrenica but occurred all over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: The final phase of genocide?

Bosnia and Herzegovina: The final phase of genocide?

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

Keywords: BiH; genocide; war; 90s; politics; conflict;

Recent events in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BH) have once again reminded how fragile peace and stability remain in this country. Although the European Union (EU) has announced it would pursue a more active policy on Bosnia and Herzegovina after the formation of new state government, other events may prevent the realisation of that promise. The Ukraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East and North Africa, an alarming increase in the number of refugees from Africa and the fact that EU still has to devote much of its attention to Greece as one of its Member States – all these elements represent a real threat that the West Balkans will again be pushed down on the list of priorities of European politics.

Geopolitics & Organized Crime and Corruption in the Early 21st Century with Reference to the Balkans

Geopolitics & Organized Crime and Corruption in the Early 21st Century with Reference to the Balkans

Author(s): Blagoje Grahovac / Language(s): English

Keywords: Balkans; 21st century; geopolitics; organized crime; corruption;

Let’s summarize the main determinants of political and social developments of the Northern Hemisphere (and beyond) over the last two centuries. In short, national states were built in the 19th and civic states in the 20th century. Political jargon for all socio-political processes has established an original term - the new world order. If we simply relied on this term, then the main determinant of the "new world order" for the 21st century would be contained in the formula: with democratization into integration until globalization.

Reforms of (Private) University Sector in Kosovo 2009

Reforms of (Private) University Sector in Kosovo 2009

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Kosovo; 2009; higher education; University; reforms;

A comprehensive reform of the higher educational sector is underway in Kosovo. This is the first action of the government of this kind after independence and also first after the adoption of the law on higher education by UNMIK administration in May 2003. The universities are part of societies and regardless of their high level of autonomy and academic freedom changes are necessary. The intention of the new law is to set up a comprehensive system for quality assurance, licensing and accreditation procedures and methodology for stable financing of higher education for both, public and private sector. The reform process is focused on the public University of Prishtina and public University of Mitrovica (this university is operating as unofficial part of Serbian University system) and also to the private university sector.

Local Election in Kosovo: The Ugly Political Language of PDK

Local Election in Kosovo: The Ugly Political Language of PDK

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Kosovo; local elections; PDK; politics; language;

Even though Democratic Party Kosovo (PDK) did start election campaign, long before official time, impression was that somehow it would get over without any further problems. But, only after couple of days, when the election campaign began, particularly from (PDK) campaign language of communication started to get ugly, especially the one against Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK). PDK with its unexpected attacks, with its strong language of communication, exceeded unusually, red line, of tolerance and calmness, which is well known standard of political communication in Kosovo.

University Reform in Kosovo: Reforms of (Private) University Sector in Kosovo 2009

University Reform in Kosovo: Reforms of (Private) University Sector in Kosovo 2009

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Kosovo; reforms; higher education; private sector; 2009;

A comprehensive reform of the higher educational sector is underway in Kosovo. This is the first action of the government of this kind after independence and also first after the adoption of the law on higher education by UNMIK administration in May 2003. The universities are part of societies and regardless of their high level of autonomy and academic freedom changes are necessary. The intention of the new law is to set up a comprehensive system for quality assurance, licensing and accreditation procedures and methodology for stable financing of higher education for both, public and private sector. The reform process is focused on the public University of Prishtina and public University of Mitrovica (this university is operating as unofficial part of Serbian University system) and also to the private university sector.

Local Election in Kosovo: Independence Accomplished – New Goals Ahead for Kosovo

Local Election in Kosovo: Independence Accomplished – New Goals Ahead for Kosovo

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Kosovo; local elections; politics; 2009; independence;

The first local election in Kosovo since the country proclaimed its independence on 17 February 2008 is scheduled for 15 November 2009. Voters in Kosovo will choose mayors and deputies for local assemblies who will run 33 municipalities for the next four years. 74 political parties and citizens’ movements are taking part in the ballot including independent lists and lists of ethnic minority communities. They comprise 35 Kosovo Albanian and 23 Serbian “political entities”. EU special representative in Kosovo Pieter Feith stated that after the election three new municipalities (Gračanica, Klokot and Ranilug) and the enlarged municipality of Novo Brdo would be established, which might further encourage the Serbian minority in their aspirations for decentralisation. According to the peace mediator Martti Ahtisaari’s plan Kosovo should have 38 municipalities. The election will not be held in the municipalities of North Mitrovica and Parteš, which should become new municipalities according to the plan. In the municipalities of Gračanica, Klokot and Ranilug the election process will be the same as in all other municipalities.

Professional Diplomacy: Yes or No?

Professional Diplomacy: Yes or No?

Author(s): Jožef Kunič / Language(s): English

Keywords: diplomacy; politics; Slovenia; 90s; foreign policy;

Already in mid 1990s the diplomats of the independent state of Slovenia undertook the activities aimed at professionalization of Slovenian diplomacy. After the consultation with the then President of the National Assembly Janez Podobnik, a number of professional diplomats assumed the leading positions in Slovenian embassies. However, that was only the beginning of long-lasting efforts. Slovenian diplomacy and even its highest positions were still staffed by people coming from the fields that were not much related to diplomacy, and they were often appointed for only one term of office. There have been about 70 such members of embassy staff appointed for only one term of office who then quit this profession, which is a very high number for Slovenia. Career diplomats were justifiably dissatisfied with the situation. Eventually, the law was amended last year to stipulate that the ambassador may only be a person who is a diplomat, which means that he/she has to be employed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and have at least seven years of practical experience at that Ministry.

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Election Campaign with the Taste of Blood

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Election Campaign with the Taste of Blood

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Albania; parliamentary elections; 2009; campaign; politics; PD; PS;

Unlike the beginning of the election campaign when different signals were sent, the final part of the campaign has become r aggressive. The two main protagonists, Sali Berisha (Democratic Party - PD) and Edi Rama (Socialist Party - PS), reduced their duels to the level of personal insults. The tensions led to the assassination of a Democratic Party activist in a village near Kavaja, but the situation was soon put under control in order to avoid further clashes between the two political parties. Despite the political benefits of the assassination for the Democratic Party the reactions were reduced to the level of verbal conflicts which paved the way for potential political radicalisation. Severe verbal conflicts and accusations have marked all public meetings and television debates in recent days, diverting attention from the essential problems present in the Albanian society.

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Socialist Alliance for Integration – The Key to Composing the New Government

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Socialist Alliance for Integration – The Key to Composing the New Government

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Albania; 2009; parliamentary elections; government; politics;

After the list of candidates for deputies to the new Assembly of the Republic of Albania was published, the election race for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 June 2009 started. Political parties launched intensive campaigns by presenting their candidates. This does not exclude the possibility of various tensions, which is quite different from the situation at the last elections which took place four years ago. There will be 45 political parties competing at the parliamentary elections, of which 36 parties are united in four large coalitions. The largest of these four coalitions is ”Alliance for Changes‟ uniting as many as 17 parties and run by the Democratic Party (PD) led by Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The ”Unification for Changes‟ is the second coalition run by the Socialist Party (PS) and headed by Tirana’s Mayor Edi Rama, covering another four parties (G99, Social Democratic Party (PSD), Party for Social Democracy (PDS) and Party of the Greek Minority (PBDNJ)). The third coalition is called ”Socialist Alliance for Integration‟ run by the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) of the former Prime Minister Ilir Meta, and comprising also Petro Koci’s PSV91, the Green Party of Albania, the Movement for Human Rights and Liberties, the Immigration Party and the party called “new tolerance”. The fourth coalition called ”Poli i Lirisë‟ (Freedom Pole) is led by the Christian Democratic Party and unites also the Conservative Party, the Movement for National Development, the Party for Democratic Union, the “Way to Freedom” Party and the Party for Democratic Reforms.

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Socialist Alliance for Integration – The Key to Composing the New Government

Albania and 2009 Parliamentary Elections: Socialist Alliance for Integration – The Key to Composing the New Government

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar,Zijad Bećirović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Albania; 2009; parliamentary elections; socialist alliance; integration; new government;

After the list of candidates for deputies to the new Assembly of the Republic of Albania was published, the election race for the parliamentary elections scheduled for 28 June 2009 started. Political parties launched intensive campaigns by presenting their candidates. This does not exclude the possibility of various tensions, which is quite different from the situation at the last elections which took place four years ago. There will be 45 political parties competing at the parliamentary elections, of which 36 parties are united in four large coalitions. The largest of these four coalitions is “Alliance for Changes” uniting as many as 17 parties and run by the Democratic Party (PD) led by Prime Minister Sali Berisha. The “Unification for Changes” is the second coalition run by the Socialist Party (PS) and headed by Tirana’s Mayor Edi Rama, covering another four parties (G99, Social Democratic Party (PSD), Party for Social Democracy (PDS) and Party of the Greek Minority (PBDNJ)). The third coalition is called “Socialist Alliance for Integration” run by the Socialist Movement for Integration (LSI) of the former Prime Minister Ilir Meta, and comprising also Petro Koci’s PSV91, the Green Party of Albania, the Movement for Human Rights and Liberties, the Immigration Party and the party called “new tolerance”. The fourth coalition called “Poli i Lirisë” (Freedom Pole) is led by the Christian Democratic Party and unites also the Conservative Party, the Movement for National Development, the Party for Democratic Union, the “Way to Freedom” Party and the Party for Democratic Reforms.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Inauguration of the New Serbian Leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Inauguration of the New Serbian Leader in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Author(s): Aljaf Bakhtyar / Language(s): English

Keywords: BiH; Serbian leader; inauguration; SNSD; politics;

The US Vice President Joseph Biden’s visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo from 19 to 21 May 2009 is an expression of the restored interest of the new US Administration in the Balkans and Bosnia and Herzegovina as the central country in the region. It also represents the end of the “Dayton phase” of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the beginning of the new phase of upgrading the Dayton Agreement or entering into a new agreement for Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Dayton Agreement should not be regarded or understood outside the context of other diplomatic efforts for the region carried out during the same period. The “Z4” Plan was marked by the cooperation of four ambassadors – of the US, Russia, Britain and the EU – and envisaged the division of Croatia into several enclaves whereby about one fourth of the territory would belong to the so called Serbian enclaves. However, the plan failed since the Croatian authorities feared the consequences of its implementation and therefore prevented its realisation with the military operations called “Flash” and “Storm”, carried out with the material support of the USA. That was possible since Croatia was in a much better position than Bosnia and Herzegovina at that point in time.

Local Elections More Important Than Presidential Elections for Albanians

Local Elections More Important Than Presidential Elections for Albanians

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

Keywords: Albania; elections; local elections; presidential elections; importance; 2009; politics;

In Macedonia the fifth local and fourth presidential elections will be held on 22 March 2009 since the country proclaimed independence on 8 September 1991. In total 1,792,082 voters will have the right to vote at the elections. A total of seven candidates will run in presidential election, four of them Macedonians, two Albanians and one Albanian woman-candidate. At the local elections, about 370 candidates will fun for 85 mayor positions and about 11,000 candidates will run for some 1,200 functions in municipal assemblies.

US Military Bases in Romania and Bulgaria and Their Possible Implications on Regional Security

US Military Bases in Romania and Bulgaria and Their Possible Implications on Regional Security

Author(s): Saffet Akkaya / Language(s): English

Keywords: USA; military bases; Romania; Bulgaria; security; region;

It is evident that, almost two decades passed after the end of cold war period, and the world is divided into two main camps to name; the Centre and the Periphery. At the beginning of this article, it may be useful to look at the position of the states like Bulgaria and Romania from a broader perspective, which once were the members of the periphery in the Communist Block. Throughout the new reformation and restructuring phases of the global age, new world order has dictated certain unnamed rules that are vital for the future of global order and mankind. Current world order is completely different and the political, geographical or cultural principles of the cold-war era to classify the states into different groups are not relevant anymore. Description of south, north, west, second world, and third world has changed dramatically. Centre is composed of economically and militarily strong states, basically the representatives of hegemonic liberalism, no matter at which geographic location they occupy on the planet. On the other hand, Periphery is made by the states who were once the members of Second (communist block) or Third Worlds and some other states that are excluded from the centre for cultural, religious or ideological reasons. Now, there is a struggle among the peripheral states, trying to be a member of centre at all costs. The expansion of NATO and EU towards east to the expense of old Soviet territories in general and Russia in particular, need to be evaluated through the principles of a broader security perception.