Garčević on Navigating Balkan Diplomacy
Professor Vesko Garcevic recently provided a critical analysis of American diplomatic efforts in the Western Balkans. He shared nuanced perspectives on the challenges and potential pitfalls in the region, offering valuable insights into the complexities shaping US foreign policy.
Garčević Comments on Formation of New Montenegrin Government
Amb. Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, recently made a suite of appearances to comment on the current negotiation on the formation of a new Montenegrin government and the interference of third actors in Montenegrin internal affairs. On August 23, 2023, Garčević was quoted in…
Garčević Interviewed on Hegemonic Goals in the Western Balkans
On August 6, 2023, Amb. Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, was interviewed by Radio Free Europe on American foreign policy in the Western Balkans and new regional centers of power. Garčević discussed the tripartite plan, allegedly proposed by Washington and supported by the European…
Garčević Gives Update on Western Balkans Joining EU
On June 1, 2023, Ambassador Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, was published in Euronews for his article: Is EU Membership Dream for the Western Balkans a Slowly Fading Prospect with No Future? Two decades after the Thessaloniki Summit, while gearing up for the…
Garčević Publishes Paper on Role of Serbian Orthodox Church in Western Balkans
While the political importance of the churches has noticeably decreased over time, in Orthodox countries such as those in the Western Balkans, the church remains a significant actor and is inextricably linked to both politics and state power. Garčević and Morrison explore why the SPC remains a potent force in public and political life today.
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 Discusses Russia-Ukraine War & Western “Escalation Paradox”
Are the Balkans vulnerable to Russian influence amidst its continued military campaign in Ukraine? How can Western powers keep the door open to negotiations with Russia while also providing Ukraine with aid? Ambassador Garčević explains.
Garčević Discusses EU Enlargement and Regional Challenges for Western Balkans
Ambassador Garčević argued that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was a moment for the EU to radically re-evaluate its stagnant enlargement process; he proposed that Brussels develop a multi-step EU integration process, creating intermediate goals before the full inclusion into the Union,
Garčević Quoted on Rising Tensions Between Kosovo and Serbia
Ambassador Garčević calls on the EU, the U.S., and the UK to act preemptively. He also warns that Serbia is “playing with fire,” escalating the current crisis, but if they are allowed to go further, the situation can spiral out of control.
Garčević Comments on U.S. Bill to Increase Economic Collaboration with Western Balkans
According to Ambassador Garčević, S. 4741 will open up space for more robust American political, financial, and technical assistance; it would enable more coherent American support for national efforts to fight corruption and democratization.
Garčević Discusses Prospect of Accelerated EU Integration for Western Balkans
“I don’t believe that several EU countries would be willing to sacrifice values and the rule of law for the sake of rapid integration of the Western Balkans.”
Garčević Discusses Use of Energy as an Instrument of Global Influence
In his remarks, Ambassador Garčević discussed energy vulnerability as a segment of the overall economic and political instability of the Western Balkans and where the EU stands in the Eastern Mediterranean geopolitical equation.
Garčević Quoted on China’s Investment and Influence in Western Balkans
In discussing China’s influence in the Western Balkans, Professor Garčević says that the way governments do business with China is eroding already weak institutions, encouraging corruption, and slowing down progress towards EU integration.
Garčević Joins Panel on Role of Russia and China in Western Balkans
Chinese and Russian approaches to the Western Balkans may appear different at the surface, however, the lasting corrosive effects of their involvement are similar: erosion of weak institutions and legal systems, and a slowing down the progress of the countries from the region towards EU.
Garčević Discusses Future of EU-Western Balkan Relations
According to Ambassador Garčević, both the EU and the Western Balkans states have failed to deliver what they agreed on in Thessaloniki in 2003: the Western Balkan has failed to deliver comprehensive democratic reforms, the EU failed to remain politically committed to enlargement.
Garčević Co-Authors Op-Ed Requesting U.S. Leadership in the Balkans
“The independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of BiH, Kosovo, and Montenegro are under direct threat from a revanchist regime in Serbia, one that likewise endangers the U.S. commitments to peace and stability in southeast Europe.”
Garčević Co-Authors Letter Calling for Increased U.S. Engagement with Western Balkans
“The U.S. can make a positive change with its involvement…The secretary of State should visit our region to demonstrate that we’re on the U.S. map.”
Garčević Comments on EU Soft Power in Western Balkans
“The EU’s waning ‘soft power’ will slow down the democratization process in the region and “open space for other countries to walk in.”
Garčević Argues for New EU Enlargement Methodology
During his FAES panel appearance, Ambassador Garčević argues for a new EU enlargement methodology, one that is incremental or gradual and introduces incentives for aspiring countries.
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.