Peace and Security in the Western Balkans

<p>This book outlines the main security threats, actors, and processes in the Western Balkans following the dissolution of Yugoslavia. Exploring the state of peace and security in the region it asks if a stable peace is achievable. The comparative framework explores state perspectives – from Serbia, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, and Kosovo – alongside military, political-societal, economic, and environmental security concerns. The interplay of international actors is also considered. Academics, scholars, and practitioners who deal with Balkan issues, either as a focus or comparatively, and have interests in security and peace studies will find the volume invaluable along with students of political science, security studies, peace studies, area studies (Eastern European studies and/or Southeast European studies), and international studies in general.</p> <p>1.How to Study Peace and Security in the Western Balkans <strong>Part 1: Local level</strong> 2. Conflicting Peace in Post-War Serbia: Radicalization and Extremism as Security Threats 3.Building Sustainable Peace and Security in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Dancing in a Vicious Circle 4. Albania Moving from Security Receiver to Security Provider 5. A Bottom-Up Perspective on Peace and Security in North Macedonia: Turbulent Violent Past versus Turbulent Future? 6. Kosovo – The Achilles’ Heel of the Balkan Security 7. Building Cohesive National Security and Stability: The Case of Montenegro <strong>Part 2: Regional level</strong> 8. Military Security and Conventional Arms Control in the Western Balkans 9. Political security in the Western Balkans: One Step Forward, Two Backwards 10. From Confrontation to Cooperation: Economic Security in the Western Balkans (Aleksandar Milošević) 11. From Reconstruction to Transition? Environmental Security in the Western Balkans <strong>Part 3: International Level</strong> 12. A Relay Race for Peace: The Approaches of the EU and the US to Bringing Stability and Democracy to the Western Balkans Region 13. Russia and China in the Western Balkans: The Spoiler Power and the Unexpected Power 14. Partners or Security Challengers? The Implications of the Presence of Turkey, the Gulf States, and Iran in the Western Balkans 15. Conclusion: Sustainable Peace in the Western Balkans – Utopia or Achievable Future?</p>