Garčević Contributes to Balkan Policy Brief
Ambassador Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies has made substantial contributions to the policy brief titled “Between Continuity and Change: Russian Influence and Security Challenges in the Western Balkans Since Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine.” This significant work, authored by Jeta Loshaj and published by German Friedrich Ebert Stiftung in January 2024, delves into the profound impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on the Western Balkans.
The policy brief recognizes the colossal consequences of the conflict, encompassing shifts in Europe’s political order, security architecture, and economic stability, as well as the tragic loss of innocent lives. Given the historical susceptibility of the Western Balkans to instability and the ongoing efforts to consolidate governance structures, the region has keenly felt the reverberations of the war in Ukraine.
Garčević’s involvement in the policy brief extends beyond being extensively quoted; his insights permeate various chapters, including the conclusions. His expert analysis sheds light on EU policies, Russian influence, and related matters, contributing depth and nuance to the examination of security challenges in the Western Balkans following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The policy brief emphasizes the pivotal role of the European Union (EU), NATO, and Western Balkan leaders in shaping the region’s security architecture in the aftermath of the invasion. It underscores the necessity for collective and intensified efforts to counteract Russia’s opportunistic influence, ensuring that the Western Balkans remains steadfast on its path toward Euro-Atlantic integration.
Garčević’s recognized influence in this discourse reflects his valuable contributions to understanding regional dynamics and international relations. His expertise enhances the policy brief’s examination of the evolving geopolitical challenges facing the Western Balkans and reinforces the importance of strategic responses to safeguard regional stability and security.
Ambassador Vesko Garčević dealt with issues pertinent to European security and NATO for almost 14 years during his diplomatic career. In 2004, he was posted in Vienna to serve as Ambassador to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was Montenegro’s Ambassador to NATO from 2010 until 2014 and served as Montenegro’s National Coordinator for NATO from 2015 until he joined the faculty at the Pardee School. Learn more about Ambassador Garčević on his faculty profile.