American foreign policy in the Balkans: Continuity or change?

Selim Ibraimi- In the final week of the US presidential campaign, both candidates have given their final messages. Kamala Harris (D) and Donald Trump (R) addressed the American people ahead of the November 5 election. Some American citizens have voted earlier. They wish to express their will. Their goal is to decide who will lead the US in the next four years. In general, undertaking such a global and local democratic effort, such as conducting presidential elections, is a huge task. The US authorities (CISA) have taken a series of measures. These measures aim to prevent attacks on the machines that count the votes. Their goal is to minimize the involvement of foreign cyber actors in the voting process. In perspective, all the data from international organizations show that the unipolar world has come to an end. In the next 25 years, the decisive issue for the American administration will be the new global position. The future commitment of the American coalition will also be focused on this role. However, at this stage, we are more interested in seeing the American position in world politics. We focus on its influence in the EU and the Balkans. We cannot exclude geopolitical actors from Asia, Africa, and Latin America that are developing rapidly. From a global perspective, the US still has some economic, geographic, and military advantages over emerging nations. However, these advantages are not permanent when it comes to economics, technological breakthroughs, and democracy. The domestic debate in the US shows that the federal government should research more into new strategies. These strategies are crucial in the coming years to maintain an edge in the economy and military dominance. The government should also focus on domestic affairs. This focus is necessary due to the lack of development policies, the racial gap, and social inequality. In particular, racial and social differences will follow the US in the coming years. A lack of investment will also impact the American role in world politics, including in Europe. The US remains the dominant military power. However, political, economic, and technological influence is shifting east to countries such as China, India, and other Asian states. A connection exists between the continuity of US foreign policy and the intervention of other foreign powers in the Balkans. In this regard, the open issue between Ukraine and Russia is critical. Gaza and China will also be important. Of course, the future of Euro-American relations will remain a priority for the new American administration. Foreign interference in US elections can occur. It can affect American democracy. However, the EU and the Balkans will not be ignored. We have focused on this region for years due to our geopolitical interests. The US is currently facing difficulties. These challenges put the country in a defensive position. Alternatively, these challenges place the nation at an advantage in some parts of the world. This is where Washington has entered the race. In the Balkans, especially, their governments are very interested in the next president. This has been a critical question that the authorities want to know. After November 5, things will become clear. The next US president will face several options. These options arise due to the growing power of countries in Asia and Russia’s position on Ukraine and the Balkans. The president must choose less harmful paths. In the Balkans, topics such as the Serb-Kosovo issue will be important for American foreign policy. The Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina is threatened by Serbian separatist leader Milorad Dodik. The dispute between North Macedonia and Bulgaria will also be significant. The danger from the Russian factor in the Balkans remains an ongoing issue. It greatly influences the dual policy of Serbia and some regional governments. This will require new attention or new policies from Washington. The EU and the US should take a stronger stance with the Balkans. They must pressure the governments of the Western Balkans. Their goal is to resolve the open issues. They should also encourage rapid integration into the EU. But, at this time, no geopolitical actor can be controlled. It will remain a difficult mission for the US. The EU and other factors interested in a strategic advantage in this century will also find it challenging. In real terms, US foreign policy has consistently remained close to Serbia. Apart from this, it has not changed much. It stays the same regardless of who has been in power, Democrats or Republicans. So, it is likely that it will remain the same, but at different speeds in the issues facing the Balkans. But as we mentioned above, strategic competition affects US policies in the Balkans. Other wars can also impact these policies and actions. However, let’s examine the election results. They will give a clear picture of US power on a global and regional scale. This includes the future US stance on EU, Ukraine, Middle East, and Balkan issues.

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