Return of the Balkans
Subtitle: challenges to European integration and U.S. disengagement
By: Janusz Bugajski
Contributors: Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute; Army War College (U.S.). Press
Series: Letort papers; Letort papers
Publisher: Strategic Studies Institute and U.S. Army War College Press
Published: 2013
Place of publication: Carlisle, PA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 191
ISBN-13: 9781584875703
Subjects: International Security; Political stability; Nationalism; Politics and government; Foreign relations; Armed Forces; Stability operations
Other titles: Challenges to European integration and US disengagement; Challenges to European integration and United States disengagement
Description: For the first time in its modern history the entire Balkan Peninsula has the opportunity to co-exist under one security and developmental umbrella combining NATO and the European Union (EU). Unfortunately, European and American leaders have been unable to complete such a unique historic vision, while the progress of several Western Balkan countries continues to be undermined by a plethora of political, social, economic, ethnic, and national disputes. This monograph focuses on the escalating security challenges facing the Western Balkans, assesses the shortcomings and deficiencies of current international engagement, considers future prospects for U.S. military involvement, and offers recommendations for curtailing conflict and promoting the region's international institutional integration. In particular, to prevent the future deployment of U.S. forces, more comprehensive strategic intelligence gathering is needed, together with the identification of local and foreign political actors promoting instability, early warning signals regarding impending conflicts, and a commitment to incorporate all countries in the region into NATO and the EU.
Notes: "May 2013."

Includes bibliographical references (pages 166-191).

Also available online in PDF format from Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) web site.
Table of contents: title: I. Introduction : uncertain futures; title: II. Serbian aspirations; title: III. Bosniak national revival; title: IV. Regional Albanianism; title: V. Macedonian impasse; title: VI. International deficiencies; title: VII. West Balkan conflicts : causes and consequences; title: VIII. Policy recommendations.