The Balkans and Crimea: A geopolitical overview of buffer zones

Selim Ibraimi—Global powers are taking action. They aim to secure all kinds of transport routes. They also prepare for the challenges of the 21st century. The EU and other European powers are excelling. They are proposing plans to strengthen their militaries, including efforts in the Balkans and Eastern Europe. This can be considered the birth of European strategic depth. On the other hand, Russia has been testing its strategic depth for more than twenty years. This testing occurs in the former Soviet republics and, of course, in the old sphere of the Russian Empire. This extends to the Balkans. This persists despite international sanctions, a weak economy, and the war in Ukraine. Historically, political and military leaders have seen Europe as part of a larger policy. They aimed to secure borders from foreign forces. The Balkans were included in this vision. Justinian I (482-565) saw the Balkans as a frontier to secure against barbarian incursions. These included those of the Slavs and Avars. He also saw it as a base for projecting power into Europe and beyond. During and after World War I, Lloyd George was Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1916 to 1922. He viewed the Balkans as a critical and problematic region. From the entire historical context, the Balkans have played a significant role. In today’s events, they continue to be part of the strategies of European states and Russia. Thus, for the European powers, the Balkans have been essential in their agenda. This focus has lasted for the last two centuries. Also, for Russia, since the Crimean Wars (1853-56), the Balkans and Crimea have been permanent areas of focus. The Eastern Question during the 19th century further intensified this attention. In this regard, the recent statements of senior officials of European states support allies and friends. This comes at a time when Russia considers the return to the international status of the post-October Revolution of 1917. The Balkans and Europe are essential to Russian politics. They are part of the Russian concept of returning to the international scene. The regions that enter the Russian deep strategy are also included. For both Russia and European states, the Balkans and Crimea remain part of their long-term interest. European countries, Russia, and Ukraine are actively seeking to improve their positions in that part of Europe. It is not a coincidence. As a region, it is presented as a finished issue for Russia. However, it is not a finished issue for Ukraine, the EU, Great Britain, etc. Media reports suggest that, under President Donald Trump’s administration, Ukraine’s occupied territories are regarded as part of Russia. The administration also considers Crimea to be part of Russia. This was indicated in the last two meetings in Saudi Arabia. Quite simply, the Balkans and Crimea represent regions of strategic importance for Russia and Europe. Strategic importance, in this context, means the ability of a state to use its geographical position. It also involves using military power and political influence. This allows a state to project force and secure national interests. Let us continue to examine the two regions and their importance for Russia and European countries. When we talk about strategic depth, we are dealing with the political and military interests. It includes resources and the geographical position of a territory or a state. This presentation is of particular importance. The concept of strategic depth in geopolitics refers to a state’s capacity to support its security and influence. It does this by using economic, diplomatic, military, and political resources. Often, this involves creating buffer zones. This is the case with the Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Russia tries to use these territories as a shield. In the Balkans, Serbia uses the Republika Srpska and the Serbs of Kosovo to project power in the region. The main goal is to create buffer zones in the long-term service of Belgrade. The administration of President Donald Trump made efforts to integrate Greenland as its territory. This could involve soft power or military power in the future. Some historical cases show how the Ottoman Empire used its geographical extension on several continents. It managed threats on many fronts through its reach. Another case can be singled out again the US, which uses its geographical position between two oceans to project power. In concrete terms, also for Russia, Crimea serves as a maritime defense zone. Also, Donbass and other occupied parts have this goal: to provide Russian dominance points in this space. On the other hand, the loss of these strategic points in Europe or Ukraine has pressured European countries. They have started to rethink developing new supply points. They aim to ensure the food chain with influence in the EU and the Balkans. As we mentioned above, Serbia is copying Russia’s plan. It is trying to create buffer zones by attempting to destabilize Kosovo in the north and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since the strategic importance of territories is crucial for all countries, the Balkans are vital to European expansion today. They are key to maintaining influence. They serve as a defensive border in this region. Since the Middle Ages, the Balkans have been the first or last line of states, depending on the geographical extent. The geographical position of the Balkans has been a strategic area. Both Russia and European countries have used it to test their policies of influence. The instability in the Balkans stems from internal and external factors. The region plays a direct role for European countries in the transport routes to the Black Sea. However, it is, in reality, a struggle. It is a contest between European countries and Russia to keep control of this part. In the current balance of power, the loss of Crimea will reduce the ability of European countries to challenge Russia. However, if the Balkans are fully integrated, they can make up for this loss of Europe in the Black Sea. The US needs a better approach towards the Europeans. This would help build a new balance between Russia, Great Britain, and European countries. The administration of President Donald Trump would need to improve relations. Currently, the situation favors Russian strategic depth. It supports Russian interests in the Black Sea. This has a long-term impact on Central Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Constructing a new defensive line in the Balkans will be challenging. It serves as a means of strategic depth for European states against Russia. This is especially true without the US. Good alliances with the Balkan states are also needed. This does not exist for now in the context of regions with the role of buffer zones.

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