Pardee School Graduate Students Visit UN and Diplomatic Missions in NYC
Students received a guided tour of the UN headquarters and visited four missions and a number of dignitaries where they learned about how much these states use the potential that multilateralism offers and what they do to overcome challenges stemming from their limited resources and inbuilt perception of their secondary role in global affairs.
Garčević Comments on Deteriorating Political and Security Situation in Western Balkans
According to Garčević, the EU’s response to insecurity in the Western Balkans speaks more about Brussels’ concern that instability in Ukraine may spill over to the Balkans than the Union’s genuine intention to reinvigorate EU integration of the region.
Garčević Delivers Lecture on Montenegro at Foreign Service Institute
Ambassador Garčević covered Montenegrin and regional contemporary policies, the current state of play in Montenegro, internal political dynamics, challenges in the country, as well as external (the third party) influence.
Garčević Comments on Appointment of New U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro
While individual appointments don’t change the U.S. policy towards the region, Ambassador Garčević argues it is excellent news to have a professional diplomat who knows the Balkans very well, especially since this is the first time since 2008 that Washington will appoint an experienced regional expert as its top diplomat in Montenegro.
Garčević Argues for Early Elections to End Montenegro’s Political Stalemate
“The Montenegrin political riddle rests on the fact that the majority of the citizens want their country integrated into the European Union and Euro-Atlantic structures, but the votes of that majority are scattered over several political entities that do not want to cooperate with each other.”
Garčević and Najam Participate in 15th Summer School for Young Diplomats
Professors Garčević and Najam joined 47 young diplomats from 32 countries as well as 35 lecturers from Europe and the United States to discuss complex issues of contemporary international affairs such as the war in Ukraine, NATO expansion, and global climate change.
Garčević Interviewed on 5th Anniversary of Montenegro’s NATO Membership
“With the decision of Sweden and Finland to seek NATO membership, with the decision of other neutral states of the EU and Switzerland to impose full sanctions on Russia, they have de facto ceased to be neutral in this conflict.”
Garčević Addresses Shortcomings of Montenegro’s Diplomacy In New Policy Paper
Ambassador Garčević argues for the adoption of a new national foreign policy strategy that envisages the creation of a flexible, professional, cost-effective, and depoliticized foreign service.
Garčević Comments on Montenegro’s Response to Ukraine Crisis
“Any government hesitation creates the impression that Montenegro does not have an attitude when it comes to events in Ukraine and is avoiding responsibility.”
Garčević Comments on Montenegro’s Silence on Ukraine Crisis
By trying to play “a neutral role” in the crisis in Ukraine, Ambassador Garčević believes that Montenegro is sending the wrong signal to its partners in the European Union and NATO.
Garčević Offers Insights on Montenegro’s Political Instability
“People expected that by removing DSP and its structures, the [EU membership] process would be sped up… However, that never happened. This government simply continued down the same path.”
Garčević Discusses Standing of Small States in Global Affairs
“If the countries [in Southeast Europe] want to keep up with new trends, they have to create modern, professional, cost-effective, non-orthodox diplomacies.”
Garčević Interviewed on Commitments of International Powers in the Balkans
In his interview, Ambassador Garčević highlighted the need for more robust involvement of the EU and United States in the Balkans but cast doubt about their political commitment, given their global priorities.
Garčević Interviewed on Protests in a Divided Montenegro
“My biggest concern is that the country seems to be more divided than ever, even more than when we voted for independence.”
Garčević Comments on Violent Clashes in Montenegro
“Unfortunately, the violent means used by the protesters in Cetinje overshadowed the legitimate reasons and revulsion felt by people in Montenegro with the inauguration being held in Cetinje.”
Garčević Joins Panel on Ethnic Tensions in Montenegro
“The divisions among Montenegrins are the product of different views of Montenegrin identity, which give rise to different attitudes towards values, especially civic values and the understanding of Montenegro’s place in modern Europe.”
Garčević Comments on Divisions in Montenegro
“The divisions in Montenegro did not arise with the referendum, but today they are deeper than in 2006.”
Garčević Discusses Chinese Influence in Montenegro
Ambassador Vesko Garčević explained how Chinese-Montenegrin cooperation promotes a governance model that is in the stark contrast with the EU, hampering progress towards EU membership.
Garčević Discusses New Montenegrin Government’s Diplomatic Strategy
“The decision of the Government to call back ambassadors for consultations was made on a whim, at short notice and without proper preparation.”
Garčević Publishes Op-Ed on Montenegrin Elections
“The experiences of the region, particularly in Serbia, teaches us that regime change is not always a change for better.”