How to deal with the Western Balkans

Abstract

At the turn of the last century, outward tranquillity was bestowed upon the Western Balkans, the most volatile and troublesome part of the European continent. The termination of large scale violence, however, did not add up to long-term stability in the region. Its political elites have proven to be incapable and/or unwilling to resolve their differences among themselves and peacefully in order to provide for the region’s security. The management of the most burning problems in the Western Balkans would be best assured within the process of European integration. With active and well-coordinated roles played by key international organizations, the Western Balkans could eventually be transformed into a region of security, democracy, and prosperity.