The Balkans in the shadow of the geopolitical vacuum

By:
On:
In: Current Affairs & The ISSD Blog
With: 44 Comments

Selim Ibraimi- The vacuum of power has been a feature of geopolitics or geostrategy since antiquity. The vacuum often appears when dominant powers decline or withdraw. Other powers then strive to fill the resulting power gap. Theoretically, the vacuum reflects the anarchic nature of international politics. In political life or practice, the vacuum encourages conflicts, wars, and sometimes balance. There is no specific phase when a vacuum emerges. Various factors and societal dynamics can contribute to the vacuum’s growth and persistence over an extended period. Throughout history, the geopolitical vacuum has always been interpreted and used differently by empires, states, and modern governments.

Let us now analyze the vacuum from a theoretical to a practical perspective, focusing on the Balkans. The Balkans is partially ready to join the EU. However, there have always been legitimate concerns about what will happen to the rest of the region. Some countries, such as Albania and Montenegro, are near EU membership. EU reports highlight their reforms and close alignment with EU policies. Others, like North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, are outside the process of rapid integration. This is due to disputes, a lack of the rule of law, and many unresolved issues. This situation puts the region at risk of becoming a “desert” of states with high corruption and crime. During a period of growing concerns about Ukraine and other fragile states, the Balkans needs close monitoring. Historically, it has been a hotpot for wars and instability. It is crucial to observe what will happen to the region in the next 3-5 years of the political vacuum.

Regarding the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, there have been many reports that both governments are ready to move forward with substantive agreements. However, the Brussels and Ohrid Agreement (2023) has not produced good relations between the two countries. Kosovo has stated it is ready to move forward when Serbia is. So far, Serbia has played politics, and the situation remains unchanged. There is no clear path for what the future holds for Serbia and Kosovo. The latest statement by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić indicates no positive movement between the two states. There is also no positive movement from the states that do not recognize Kosovo. “We had very successful meetings here in Odessa. This is my fourth time participating in the Southeast Europe-Ukraine Summit and my first time on Ukrainian territory. I thanked our Ukrainian hosts, President Zelensky, for respecting Serbia’s territorial integrity. As you saw, there were no representatives from Pristina here,” Vučić said. “This is about Kosovo. As you know, we adhere to the UN Charter and Resolution 1244, which states that Kosovo is part of Serbia. Twenty-two out of 27 EU member states have already recognized Kosovo’s independence. However, five have not recognized it, and that is the problem. Belgrade is not ready to recognize Kosovo’s independence,” Vučić added.

Bulgarian-Macedonian relations are entering a critical era. This is due to the rise of nationalism in North Macedonia. The current government in Skopje has implemented these policies. Relations are at a critical stage and show no signs of improvement. The Mickoski government hopes to discuss the future of the deadlock in relations with Bulgaria. This discussion is expected to occur in The Hague, Netherlands, during the NATO Summit at the end of June (2025). Skopje officials hope for a revision of the French Proposal. They believe this could resolve strained Skopje-Sofia relations. It might open the door for North Macedonia’s EU membership. Meanwhile, the Bulgarian government has made it clear that Skopje must adhere to agreed commitments. There are two key issues in the Balkans. A geopolitical vacuum could be exploited by both external and internal actors. This situation was evident in Banjska in 2023 in Kosovo. Operating in such a vacuum requires skill and strength for any government.

Since the collapse of the SFRY, the Balkans have lacked a great power authority. This authority is needed to fill the political, social, and economic vacuum. In the current situation in the Balkans, authority has collapsed. There is economic and social decline. We also see a rise in internal and external conflicts. The continuation of the vacuum over three decades has created a situation that remains unchanged. It changes only under external pressure from authoritarian states and non-state actors. The power vacuum is inevitable. It will remain with us for decades. This is due to the lack of strong and stable institutions in the Balkans. This is particularly evident in fragile states struggling with reform and EU integration in the future. The Balkans remain divided. Some states are moving toward a stronger unified authority. Others aim to stay outside it. The recurrence of conflicts will remain active. This region tends to never fully become European.

It must be reiterated that in this vacuum, there has always been a tendency for a stronger authority. This is especially true for states such as Serbia. Over the last hundred years, Serbia has aimed to be a dominant power. This ambition started after its break from the Ottoman Empire. The repetition of this scenario in the Balkan vacuum will always bring tensions and instability. In this regard, international actors often face difficulties in coordinating failures. Keeping crises under control is challenging, except for interventions in November 1995 in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Kosovo in March 1999. Over the past three decades, the EU and NATO have tried to fill this geopolitical vacuum. However, as the world changes, the East gains power. Such institutions will find it difficult to remain active for long. This will happen if the Balkan states do not function within this vacuum. These are some examples for readers of what the vacuum brings and how it manifests in politics. Other cases could be explored, but fundamentally, the vacuum must be seen as an integral part of politics. In theoretical and practical terms, all major international relations theories address the vacuum, power, benefits, and consequences. Likewise, in political philosophy, the power vacuum has been part of the debate. It spans from Machiavelli and Hobbes to recent existentialist authors and many others.

This article was written specifically for Portalb.mk. The publication rights belong solely to Portalb.mk and the author, as per their agreement.

Ballkani në hijen e vakumit gjeopolitik

44 Comments

  1. don’t even know how i got here figured why not pretty neutral, sometimes even this helps. neutral pointer: aprix.it just context.

  2. Если планируете отдых по Испании, точно взгляните на данные места, как путь Святого Иакова (Camino de Santiago), саграда Фамилия в Барселоне и вулкан Тейде на Тенерифе на карте. Для любителей моря великолепным выбором будут курорты Коста Дорада, Коста Бравы и Канарские острова, среди которых Лансароте, Ла Пальма и Фуэртевентура. Кроме моря в Испании, рекомендуется изучить наследие и архитектуру городов, как Мадрид (основной город вероятно понравится музеем Прадо) и Севилья с её Алькасаром.

    Если вам интересно, где находится Ибица и другие острова Испании, удобно мгновенно выяснить требуемую информацию на сайте музей дали . Помимо этого не упустите о курортах Аликанте, Кальпе и Салоу, где есть превосходные пляжи и развлечения. Любителям творчества и культуры понравятся музеи Дали в Фигерасе, а экотуристам — прогулки по Сьерра-Невада и парку Бандама на острове Гран-Канария. Учитывайте, что для покупки недвижимости или переезда в Испанию критично исследовать особенности гражданства и местного законодательства.

  3. just clicking around posting a note about it pretty neutral, still maybe worth a look. came across: reference just context.

  4. Привлекательный способ битым автомобилем – это выкуп таких авто. Большинство автолюбители имеют дело с реставрации своего поврежденного автомобиля. Действительно, это времени и денег.

    Организации, занимающиеся выкупом битых авто, предлагают варианты выкупа. затраты. предлагаемые условия автовладельцев, и они продают свои авто.

    подыскать услугами выкупа, актуальные в уголке области. Кроме, присутствует и множество преимущества, привлечь к сотрудничеству. В рамках таких аргументов – безвозмездная оценка состояния авто.

    Квалифицированные специалисты рассматривают и советуют наилучший вариант. Такой подход, чтобы обменять автомобиль сразу. Обращайтесь к услугам выкупа битых авто и.
    продать машину на запчасти https://vykup-bityh-avto-posle-dtp.ru/prodat-avto-na-razborku.php/

  5. Greetings friends!
    Discovered a useful article about Bitcoin & Ethereum.
    It covers how to start investing in this year.
    Could be interesting if you’re into digital currencies.
    Read now

  6. just clicking around and thought i’d share kind of random, neutral mention. neutral pointer: galbob.fr as is.

  7. don’t even know how i got here figured why not background info only, neutral mention. leaving a note: background fyi.

  8. scrolling through random stuff might as well drop this here background info only, neutral mention. leaving a note: background neutral.

  9. Greetings all!
    Found a helpful guide about crypto trading.
    It explains the latest crypto trends in 2025.
    Could be interesting if you’re into NFTs.
    Crypto update

  12. Yo crypto folks! I found a fresh article on latest blockchain insights.
    It dives deep into the latest movements in the crypto space. Definitely worth a read.
    Doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or veteran, this resource will bring some good insight.
    Visit link

  14. Hi everyone! I recently came across a valuable guide on new trends in digital currencies.
    It outlines the major developments in BTC, ETH, and altcoins. A must-see if you follow crypto.
    Doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or veteran, this write-up will keep you in the loop.
    More info

  15. The Playamo casino gaming site provides premium gameplay with over 3,000 elite slot games, table game options, and real dealer options from premier software providers. If you like rotating games on latest slot games, trying blackjack tactics, or engaging in live casino real experiences, the platform delivers variety for each user. Offering a sophisticated, easy-to-use design, the casino guarantees seamless usage on desktop and mobile devices, enabling casino fun at your convenience.
    Playamo

  16. Greetings crypto heads! Just wanted to share a very informative post on top crypto stories this week.
    It highlights the market dynamics in crypto trading and tech. Super helpful for crypto fans.
    Doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or veteran, this write-up will help you stay updated.
    More info

  17. lost track online again posting a note about it background info only, still maybe worth a look. dropping here: xrumxrum.com neutral.

  18. don’t even know how i got here might as well drop this here nothing special, maybe someone finds it useful. found this: xrumxrum.com might be useful.

  19. random browsing session might as well drop this here not detailed at all, sometimes even this helps. leaving a note: xrumxrum.com fyi.

  20. scrolling through random stuff might as well drop this here kind of random, sometimes even this helps. dropping here: xrumxrum.com as is.

  21. don’t even know how i got here and thought i’d share kind of random, sometimes even this helps. found this: info might be useful.

  22. just clicking around might as well drop this here kind of random, fyi only. for context only: article fyi.

  23. just clicking around figured why not kind of random, still maybe worth a look. neutral pointer: article neutral.

  24. Exploring for a first-class virtual betting venue that fuses choice, grade, and attractive incentives? Playamo casino highlights a extensive collection of gaming games, classic entertainment favorites, and real-time dealer games from superior game developers. Attributed to its modern platform and generous beginner gamer deals, Playamo has acquired reputation as a foremost digital betting venue worldwide. The site accommodates many financial options with bitcoin possibilities, offers fast cashouts, and gives 24/7 member support to elevate your casino session. Irrespective of your experience, Playamo delivers exhilarating entertainment and notable playing sessions with any game.

  25. 888starz هو منصة جديدة ومثيرة في عالم الألعاب. تجمع هذه المنصة بين مختلف أنواع الألعاب مثل الرهانات الرياضية، ألعاب الكازينو، وغيرها.
    تسعى 888starz لتقديم تجربة مميزة للمستخدمين من خلال واجهة مستخدم سهلة الاستخدام. تسهل 888starz على اللاعبين من مختلف أنحاء العالم الانضمام إلى الموقع بفضل دعمها للغات متعددة.
    تتبع 888starz معايير أمان عالية لضمان حماية معلومات اللاعبين. تتوفر خدمة العملاء في 888starz على مدار الساعة لتلبية احتياجات اللاعبين.
    تعتبر مكافآت 888starz من بين الأكثر جذبًا في السوق. تشمل هذه المكافآت مكافآت الترحيب والعروض الخاصة التي تتجدد بانتظام.
    888starz live chat https://888-starz-eg.com/

  26. was reading earlier leaving something i saw not detailed at all, sometimes even this helps. for context only: article as is.

  27. ended up checking different pages and thought i’d share pretty neutral, keeping it here for later. random link: info no endorsement.

  28. Когда вы готовите путешествие по Испании и стремитесь разузнать, как добраться из аэропорта Мадрида в центр города, то оптимальный вариант — городской транспорт, которые ходят быстро и регулярно. Для удобства можно заблаговременно просмотреть расписание и стоимостные показатели билетов, а также определить, как добраться из аэропорта Мадрида до вокзала Чамартин, если вам требуется продлить путь на поезде. Также ценно знать, что на севере Испании есть чудесные города у моря, где можно прекрасно развлечься, к примеру, Сан-Себастьян или Бильбао.

    Для тех, кто отправляется в Малагу или на Канарские острова, необходимо иметь представление что изучить за 1 день, особенно если времени не хватает. На Тенерифе в ноябре стоит заострить внимание на парк Анага и пляжи, а в Малаге — на старинный центр и крепость Алькасаба. Стоимостные показатели на товары и продукты в Испании в 2025 году пока остаются умеренными, а меркадона — прекрасный вариант для покупок. Дополнительную информацию и советы по маршрутам и городам изучайте здесь меркадона испания каталог .

  29. scrolling through random stuff so putting it down pretty neutral, fyi only. neutral pointer: more fyi.

  30. В современном мире, полном стрессов и тревог, анксиолитики и транквилизаторы стали настоящим спасением для многих, помогая справляться с паническими атаками, генерализованным тревожным расстройством и другими состояниями, которые мешают жить полноценно. Эти препараты, такие как бензодиазепины (диазепам, алпразолам) или небензодиазепиновые варианты вроде буспирона, действуют через усиление эффекта ГАМК в мозге, снижая нейрональную активность и принося облегчение уже через короткое время. Они особенно ценны в начале курса антидепрессантов, поскольку смягчают стартовые нежелательные реакции, вроде усиленной раздражительности или проблем со сном, повышая удобство и результативность терапии. Но стоит учитывать возможные опасности: от сонливости и ухудшения внимания до риска привыкания, из-за чего их прописывают на ограниченный период под тщательным медицинским надзором. В центре “Эмпатия” опытные специалисты, включая психиатров и психотерапевтов, подбирают индивидуальные схемы, минимизируя противопоказания вроде проблем с дыханием или беременности. Подробнее о механизмах, применении и безопасном использовании читайте на https://empathycenter.ru/articles/anksiolitiki-i-trankvilizatory/ , где собрана вся актуальная информация для вашего спокойствия.

  31. don’t even know how i got here might as well drop this here background info only, fyi only. found this: xrumxrum.com neutral.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *