New Eastern Europe 3-4/ 2017

New Eastern Europe 3-4/ 2017

Dear Reader,
“The price of Europeanising the Balkans is much higher than the price of the
Balkanisation of Europe,” claims Zagreb-based writer Miljenko Jergović in the opening
essay to this issue. This poignant statement calls for wide attention, especially
of those who hold dear the idea of a united and expanding Europe. It points to the
immense pressure that has been emerging within the region of the Western Balkans
and which could have an effect on Europe as a whole. This also inclines that a better
understanding of the Balkans is a prerequisite for a better understanding of the
developments on the entire European continent.
This fact has been true before, although not always – as our authors point out –
taken seriously. Thus, it is worthwhile reading the essay by Adam Balcer, who argues
that since antiquity the region of the Western Balkans has been at the core of
westernisation. It was the place where great powers battled for infl uence and where
world wars erupted. In the 21st century a new scenario, with some similarities of
the past, may be unfolding.
Throughout the whole issue, our authors, who are either based in the region
or avid readers of its developments, point out to some alarming trends that the
power games may indeed be returning. Such is the case of Turkey as described
by Tomasz Targański who highlights the rise of Neo-Ottomanism. Russian infl uence
is also felt in the region as Kenneth Morrison and Jelena Milić argue in their
respective essays. Equally worrisome is the issue of Islamic extremism that is
reported by Tatyana Dronzina and Sulejman Muça to be seeking a foothold in
Europe via the Balkans.
Despite these and other developments the West has proved wrong in some decisions
that were made in regards to the Balkans. The most striking example of a
fl awed policy implementation is depicted by Christopher Bennet as he shows how
the Dayton Peace Agreement has turned Bosnia and Herzegovina into Europe’s
longest frozen confl ict, with little desire for improving the status quo.
We hope that this double issue will make for thought-provoking reading for your
summer months and that you continue stay in touch with us online and via social media.
The Editors