The Western Balkans region holds vital strategic importance for transatlantic security. Following the collapse of the Former Yugoslavia, the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have actively contributed to regional stability both in the form of peace missions and through offering the regional countries integration prospects with the transatlantic structures. Amidst years of enlargement fatigue, Russias' invasion of Ukraine has underlined the significance of the integration of the Western Balkans into the transatlantic institutions. This article examines the recent developments in the Western Balkans and analyzes the prospects for the Euro-Atlantic integration of the regional countries.
Gen Z support for Ukraine is declining, and skepticism towards the existing security architecture is rising-what is happening to the age group that makes up one-third of NATO's population? The subfactions that make up Gen Z have left the generation critical and dissatisfied with the current global security architecture and NATO. The defining characteristics of the "digital generation," which include deep polarization, anti-imperialism, and anti-hypocrisy, compound with Russian disinformation, and misinformation more broadly, steering the young generation away from NATO and weakening the Alliance's resilience and readiness. NATO should be cognizant of mending this divide to combat the decreasing enlistment rates across NATO countries and develop future political will for the sustainment of the Alliance. To reverse this phenomenon, NATO members should integrate Gen Z dialogue into their political processes, particularly with those who are critical of the current security architecture.
Although Greece and Albania share extensive historical, economic, social, and security ties due to their NATO membership, their bilateral relations from time to time have been problematic, raising concerns for the broader Western Balkans. Several unresolved issues between Athens and Tirana that have their roots in the past prevent the normalization of their relations and, as a result, create obstacles for Albanias' EU accession process. The respect of the Greek minority rights in Albania, the delimitation of maritime zones, Greeces' Law of War with Albania, the Cham issue, that Tirana unilaterally raise the refusal of Athens to recognize the independence of Kosovo and the arrest of the elected member of the Greek National Minority Mayor of Himare are some of the issues between the two countries. It is the aim of this article to study recent normative and empirical discourse to argue that the normalization of the relations between Albania and Greece is crucial for the EUs' enlargement with the countries of Western Balkans and for the stability of the region in general. Within this context, this article analyzes the historical background of the bilateral relations between Greece and Albania, evaluates the current economic, social, and political situation, and presents some policy proposals before reaching a conclusion.
This article argues that recent European Commission and NATO initiatives aim to stabilize the Western Balkans amid geopolitical upheaval from the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Historically, the region has struggled during global transitions due to its strategic location and external influences, leading to entrenched authoritarian regimes that exploit nationalism and corruption. Despite significant EU support, these regimes obstruct reforms, undermining transparency, and accountability. Economic stagnation and mass emigration exacerbate instability. The article suggests that the Western Balkans' precarious position necessitates a credible, concerted effort by external actors to mitigate these challenges and support irreversible progress away from conflict legacies.
This article argues that the energy security of the Balkans is fundamentally dependent on the region's further integration with the European Union. Energy security is conceptualized as strategic autonomy, essential for mitigating the risks of external political influences and coercive leverage, particularly from Russia, which has historically used its energy resources to exert power over European countries. Initially, the concept of energy security will be elucidated within the context of recent global political developments, particularly the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Subsequently, the current state of energy affairs in the Balkans will be analyzed, highlighting existing challenges and dependencies. Finally, the article will explore potential strategies and avenues, such as Caspian basins and Eastern Mediterranean resources, to enhance the region's energy security and autonomy, emphasizing the critical role of EU integration in achieving these goals
Turkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania can formalize a distinct, trilateral energy space, a supplier of energy and energy security for the southeastern European area, and for the EU, the territory can become an extended energy hub in the field. These countries have significant primary energy resources of their own (exploration-exploitation), but the essential advantage is given by their geographical and infrastructural proximity to the Middle East, which plays a significant role in global energy issues. The extended energy hub concept can offer the potential for mutual collaboration, regional energy security and sustainable connectivity with other major energy resource providers regionally and globally.
This paper provides a critical overview of China's strategy in the BRICS. In the wake of the expansion of the membership of the group with the inclusion of five new members -Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, UAE, and Egypt- in January 2024, and the shifting regional and global geopolitical situations, China's objectives and strategies in the institution gain significance for understanding how China is crafting its strategy as a rising power. While the fluid geopolitical situation due to sluggish global economic recovery, flaring up of conflicts, namely the Israel-Hamas war, Russia-Ukraine war with global economic and geopolitical consequences, and rising tensions between China and the USA make the expanded BRICS geopolitically significant, these changes also bear upon the bilateral and regional dynamics of relationships among member states and the very role of the institution as such. In this respect, this essay answers the following questions: whether and how do these factors shape the group's identity and role? In this respect, the essay contextualizes China's strategy in the BRICS within its more extensive approach to multilateralism in the last two decades.CHINA'S APPROACHES TO THE BRICS: REGIONAL GEOPOLITICS AND BILATERAL DIMENSIONSResearch Article
Amidst the pressing global energy transition, nations strive to shift from fossil fuels to renewables, grappling with environmental urgency and complex energy security challenges. This article explores the multifaceted impact of geopolitical tensions, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern instability, on energy security and the global green transformation. It discusses how these conflicts have triggered both short-term reliance on fossil fuels and a renewed drive toward sustainable energy independence. Moreover, it delves into Europe's Green Deal, China's technological advancements, and the United States return to the Paris Agreement as transformative steps, all underscoring the need for robust international cooperation. This in-depth analysis highlights the strategies, obstacles, and global collaborations essential for achieving a resilient and sustainable energy future
This article examines the transatlantic region's energy transformation, focusing on the European Union's shift towards renewable energy sources amidst geopolitical instability. It explores how recent geopolitical disruptions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have accelerated Europe's transition to renewables to enhance energy security and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The rise of renewable energy, challenges associated with intermittency, the resurgence of nuclear power, and the Scandinavian and Baltic countries' leadership in heating and cooling innovations are discussed. The paper highlights opportunities for achieving energy security through sustainable energy solutions while addressing policy and technological challenges
This article aims to analyze the results of the European Parliament elections held on 6-9 June 2024. The distribution of seats in the Parliament is related to the future of the Green Deal. The Greens lost some seats, which will mostly have the capacity to affect the implementation or development of the green agenda. The key factors behind these results are economy, migration, security, and war. After the elections, the Parliament elected Ursula von der Leyen as the President of the Commission with 401 votes in favor. The Greens and EFA group voted for Ursula von der Leyen because they received a promise that the Green Deal would continue as planned. This article argues that the EU must be loyal to targets regarding the green agenda in order to become independent of any foreign power in terms of energy resources
The evolving concept of energy security has shifted from a narrow focus on fossil fuel supplies to a broader framework that incorporates the stability of renewable energy systems and the infrastructure required to support them. As the climate crisis accelerates, the urgency of decarbonization has driven the expansion of renewable energy, yet this transition brings its own challenges. The need for resilient electricity grids, reliable energy storage, and a stable supply of critical minerals is now central to ensuring secure and sustainable energy. Additionally, geopolitical tensions are increasingly influencing energy strategies, requiring a balance between traditional and clean energy security concerns. The article highlights the complexities of navigating these competing demands and the strategies necessary to ensure a stable energy future in the face of geopolitical and environmental pressures.
This paper explores the complex dynamics between energy security, green transformation, and recent geopolitical challenges in T & uuml;rkiye and Europe. With Europe's drive towards renewable energy, T & uuml;rkiye's role as a critical energy hub becomes increasingly vital. Conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have exposed vulnerabilities in fossil fuel dependence and strained regional energy security. By focusing on the strategic role T & uuml;rkiye plays and how both regions are navigating the energy transition, this paper evaluates their policies, collaborations, and efforts to align energy security with the green transformation. It also analyzes the new challenges created by recent geopolitical conflicts and their impact on energy markets.
The global energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a confluence of challenges and opportunities. The traditional paradigm of energy security, heavily reliant on fossil fuels and prioritizing access over sustainability, is being reshaped by a growing awareness of climate change, geopolitical volatility, and the imperative for a more resilient energy future. This article delves into the shifts taking place in global energy security, highlighting the increasing prominence of renewable energy sources, technological advancements, and the crucial role of sustainability as a defining dimension of this transformation
Canada is unlikely to play a meaningful direct role in trans-Atlantic energy security. Despite the presence of large energy reserves on Canadian territory, political barriers prevent the construction of energy export infrastructure oriented toward the Atlantic. These barriers include the special role of Quebec within the Canadian confederation, uncertainty over the treatment of GHG emissions in Canadian regulatory processes, and political influence over the impact assessment process.
Energy is foundational to the self-perception of states in the South Caucasus. This region's post-Soviet regionalization revolves around the "contract of the century" and the export of fossil fuels to Europe. T & uuml;rkiye is the biggest regional energy market, striving to balance decarbonization with the objective of maintaining cost-effective energy as an independent variable in the development of a globally competitive manufacturing hub. Azerbaijan is striving to overcome its singular dependence in fossil fuels, while retaining its role as a major energy exporter. Central to T & uuml;rkiye and Azerbaijan's plans is Georgia, a country that has largely achieved decarbonization but is striving to maintain its role as the region's essential energy transit hub. Finally, Armenia continues to prioritize security over connectivity in the emerging energy landscape. This paper explores the friction of decarbonization with the role of each state in the Caucasus, focusing on milestone project investments in renewables.
This study provides an analysis of the pathways through which the landscape of Transatlantic energy security has been changing. These pathways are marked by recent geopolitical crises and two outstanding challenges: strengthening energy security and achieving the green transition. The Ukraine war and rising tensions in the Middle East have once more demonstrated how fragile global supply chains are due to their dependence on Russian natural gas and reliance on oil from the Middle East. These crises have brought up the urgent need for energy diversification, with renewable energy being at the center and a strategic means of reducing geopolitical risks in this context. It also analyses how the recent developments have redefined the Transatlantic region's energy-related perspectives, especially how the United States and the European Union cooperate to ensure energy supplies while accelerating the transition toward sustainable
The scarcity of resources, the tendency towards the fragmentation of the globalized world into semi-autonomous blocks, and the "third world war in pieces" require an acceleration in developing alternative products. Alternative fuels can complement or, in the future, replace traditional ones, allowing the same freedom of movement of people and commodities. Investments in developing e-fuels and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) diesel are increasing, and this suggests a growth of the market by 2030 because many plants will go into operation. These "new-generation" and green synthetic fuels have the advantage of reconciling the ambitious decarbonization objectives with energy security and freedom of movement; furthermore, unlike electric ones, they do not require a new engine - and related infrastructures - but can be fully integrated with the internal combustion engines currently in use. Finally, the availability of a valid and ready-to-use alternative to increasingly expensive traditional fuels is part of a broader strategy to govern the current phase of global turbulence
The global energy transition is critical for addressing climate change and ensuring long-term energy security. However, significant challenges persist, particularly for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs), which lack the capital and investment required for a sustainable energy shift. The dominance of fossil fuels, geopolitical risks, and disparities in financing threaten progress. Investments in clean energy technologies, grid infrastructure, and innovative financing models must increase globally to meet rising energy demand. Ensuring an inclusive and equitable energy transition is vital to avoiding future inequality and ensuring global sustainability.
This paper provides an analysis of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the context of the relationships and the influence of the pro-Russian political factor, the hegemonic policies of official Belgrade and Zagreb towards Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Western political influence. The paper specifically points out the shortcomings of the Dayton Peace Agreement and the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which favor the realization of Russian influence and hegemonic policies of official Belgrade and Zagreb (Serbia and Croatia), but recently also the influence of drug cartels in government institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This paper also considers the confusing actions of the Western powers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which still have a decisive influence on internal political trends.
The Western Balkans have been transformed into authoritarian regimes in the last decade, despite the EUs' engagement with the region through its enlargement policy. However, prioritizing stability over democracy, the EU lost its chance to transform the Western Balkan countries into democratic entities. In the end, the EU opened a way in for the external actors to the Western Balkan countries and China has entered the scene by increasing engagement with the region. The leaders of the authoritarian regimes in the Western Balkans adopted a pragmatic approach in their relations with China. They used the Chinese card to proceed with their relations with the EU and to gather financial means to legitimize and consolidate their regimes.
