Global instability strengthens Russian influence in the Balkans
While all Western Balkan states are on the path to EU integration, with tensions between Russia and the West on the rise, Russian influence in the region appears to be growing.
|2016.12.07
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As a region in the EU’s back yard, but also impoverished, unstable and having strong ties with Russia, the Western Balkans became a diplomatic and ideological battlefield.
A number of different media outlets in Serbia, most importantly tabloid newspapers, pursue an openly pro-Russian and pro-Putin agenda.
As long as Serbia pursues the policy of attempting to thwart Kosovo’s bid for international recognition and joining international organizations, Russian support will be of great importance.
Nikola Burazer
Nikola Burazer is the programme director of the Centre for Contemporary Politics and the executive editor at European Western Balkans. Nikolaobtained an MA in Nationalism Studies from the Central European University (CEU) in Budapest and a political science BA from the University of Belgrade. His work is mainly focused on politics and nationalism.
DISCLAIMERThe views of the writer do not necessarily reflect the views of Kosovo 2.0.
This story was originally written in English.