The Western Balkans: A Struggle between Democracy, Stabilitocracy, and World Disorder by Dr. Zoran Ivanov

In an era of significant global geopolitical shifts, understanding the unique socio-political challenges of the Western Balkan countries becomes increasingly important in implementing long-term solutions to peace and stability of this European region. Illuminating the region’s complexities represents the first step to developing pragmatic solutions.

Simple steps, like abandoning the term 'Western Balkans', which is frowned upon by the populous of the south-eastern European (SEE) countries, could foster more meaningful, pragmatic cooperation and solutions beyond mere political rhetoric. Such actionable steps could lead to implementing genuine democratic reforms rather than the imposed 'stabilitocracy', a system characterized by democratic deficit and reduced accountability, which impedes the internal socio-economic development and integration of SEE countries. 

Organizing these pragmatic steps in a framework constructed around a focused goal has the potential of not only creating progressive impulse but also conceiving a blueprint for “Democratic Resilience” capable off consolidating democratic efforts and addressing future stability in the SEE region.

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Zoran Ivanov, D.Sc.: an Assistant Professor at TOBB Economics and Technology University, Ankara, Türkiye; Director of the Center for Balkan Studies at TEPAV, Ankara, Türkiye; an adjunct faculty with the ERM program at Arizona State University; and a Senior Advisor at the RINK Institute in Ljubljana, Slovenia.