De-Balkanising the Balkans: What Priorities?

While important new international schemes have been launched for the Balkans in the years 1999-2000, they are aimed almost exclusively at economic and institutional problems and neglect security aspects, since dealing with the latter would touch on delicate political questions. But these strategies can hardly be implemented in an insecure environment; and at the same time, economic recovery and democratisation cannot bridge the security gap. Addressing the security question calls for radical reconsideration of both the democratic agenda and the agenda of integration with Europe, putting the focus squarely on state-building and enforcement of the rule of law.

Originally published in the issue Vol. 35, No. 3, July-September 2000, p. 7-17