TZIFAKIS N. - The Influence of External Actors in the Western Balkans (20h)
The Western Balkans have become a ‘playfield’ for competition among geopolitical actors. Russia, China, Turkey, and the Gulf countries have increased their footprint, taking advantage of the West’s neglect of the region. The course focuses empirically on the main contenders of the EU for influence in the Western Balkans. It discusses the foreign policy priorities these geopolitical actors have advanced in the region and explores the means and instruments they have employed to further their goals. The course aims to assess the impact of the activities of non-Western great/regional powers on the EU's efforts to resolve disputes, promote political and economic reforms, and integrate the Western Balkans into its structures. Crucially, the course problematises the role of Western Balkan political leaderships, which, acting as ‘gatekeepers,’ largely determine the formation and growth of ties between external powers and their countries.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate substantive knowledge of the priorities of the non-Western external actors with the greatest involvement in the Western Balkans.
- Identify and analyse the main foreign policy instruments these geopolitical actors have employed to exercise influence in the region.
- Critically reflect on the impact of the activities of non-Western great/regional powers on the EU’s efforts to promote its priorities in the Western Balkans.
Professor Nikolaos TZIFAKIS