South-East Europe

Serbia’s Orientation Challenge and Ways to Overcome It

Pavičić, Vesna. "Serbia’s Orientation Challenge and Ways to Overcome It." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 18, no. 1 (2019): 111-127.

Introduction

This article aims to address the historical challenge and dilemma that Serbia has been facing for some time and will face for the years to come. It has to complete its democratic transition as one of the complex challenges. Domestic democratization must go hand in hand with the continuation of modernization as well as continuing alignment with the West and integration in institutions that would further contribute to the consolidation of Serbia’s transformation.

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The Western Balkan Countries in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Policy Recommendations

Study Group Regional Stability in South East Europe. "The Western Balkan Countries in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic: Policy Recommendations." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 19, no. 2 (2020): 125-131.

Executive Summary of Recommendations [1]:

  • Western Balkan (WB) governments and EU: Health systems should be supported with funds from the EU’s announced € 3.3 billion support package and other Western sources.
  • WB gov.: Public funds dedicated to the crisis to be used transparently and any opportunities for corruption to be curtailed.
  • WB gov., EU and
19.2.10_covid-western_balkans.pdf — Downloaded 1127 times

Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Mouritz, Frank. "Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on China’s Belt and Road Initiative." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 19, no. 2 (2020): 115-124.

Introduction

There is widespread agreement among scientists that one of the most devastating pandemics in human history, the plague or black death, originated in China and spread along the old silk road to Europe.[1] It demonstrated a pattern that is as old as human history: when people and goods travel, so do bacteria and viruses.

Balancing Defense and Civil Support Tasks: The Impact of Covid-19 on the Bulgarian Military’s Roles

Tagarev, Todor. "Balancing Defense and Civil Support Tasks: The Impact of Covid-19 on the Bulgarian Military’s Roles." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 19, no. 2 (2020): 61-76.

Introduction

The Bulgarian armed forces, just like the armed forces in many other countries, have three main roles: defense of the sovereignty and the national territory, contribution to international peace and security, and contribution to internal security, particularly in times of crises. In peacetime, the third of these roles is most visible to society. The military contribution during the Covid-19 pandemic makes no exception.

Coronavirus Pandemic and Reactions in the EU Accession Classes of 2004-2007

Dunay, Pàl. "Coronavirus Pandemic and Reactions in the EU Accession Classes of 2004-2007." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 19, no. 2 (2020): 37-47.

Introduction

Since the Coronavirus pandemic has hijacked the security agenda and gained priority in international politics, for the time being, speculation has been rife about how long this world change will last. Views vary: Some start out from the view that the pandemic is no more than a hiccup and, after a limited period of a few months or a maximum of two years, the world will return to “normality,” particularly if a vaccination becomes available worldwide.

The Culture of Military School: The Example of the Dr. Franjo Tudjman Croatian Defense Academy

Kozina, Andrija. "The Culture of Military School: The Example of the Dr. Franjo Tudjman Croatian Defense Academy." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 18, no. 3 (2019): 45-63.

Introduction

If we observe soldiers, we notice that they behave according to rules. They know how to use their personal weapons, how to protect themselves, disguise themselves, receive orders from their superiors, perform the tasks assigned to them, and report on their performance. Most of these requirements stem from a general understanding of the organizational culture and the mission, including the social standards and relationships related to serving in the military and obeying orders.

Deterrence and Defense at the Eastern Flank of NATO and the EU: Readiness and Interoperability in the Context of Forward Presence

Shalamanov, Velizar, Pavel Anastasov, and Georgi Tsvetkov. "Deterrence and Defense at the Eastern Flank of NATO and the EU: Readiness and Interoperability in the Context of Forward Presence." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 18, no. 1 (2019): 25-42.

NATO Presence in Eastern Europe after the Changes of 1989 [1]

The elaboration in this article is based on developments of multinational formations in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)/South Eastern Europe (SEE), improving their interoperability and readiness through multinational projects, especially in the area of Communications and Information (C&I), and adequate education and training, including exercises.

18.1.02_deterrence_eastern_flank.pdf — Downloaded 1468 times

The Age of Post-Truth: State Influence and Strategic Communication - Contemporary Security Challenges on Europe’s Eastern Flank

Roloff, Ralf, and Pàl Dunay. "The Age of Post-Truth: State Influence and Strategic Communication - Contemporary Security Challenges on Europe’s Eastern Flank." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 17, no. 2 (2018): 19-35.

 

Introduction

Between 14-18 May 2018, the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies brought together 54 civilian, law enforcement and military mid- to senior level security policy practitioners and experts from 19 countries in order to collaborate on the third European Security Seminar-East (ESS-E).

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Peacemakers: American Leadership and the End of Genocide in the Balkans (book review)

Penev, Plamen P.. "Peacemakers: American Leadership and the End of Genocide in the Balkans (book review)." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 17, no. 1 (2018): 77-83.

 

James W. Pardew, Peacemakers: American Leadership and the End of Genocide in the Balkans, in the series “Studies in Conflict Diplomacy Peace” (Lexington, KY: University Press of Kentucky, 2018). – 424 pp.

 

End of Genocide in the Balkans — Downloaded 3430 times

Russia and Montenegro: How and Why a Centuries’ Old Relationship Ruptured

Gardasevic, Ivana. "Russia and Montenegro: How and Why a Centuries’ Old Relationship Ruptured." Connections: The Quarterly Journal 17, no. 1 (2018): 61-75.

Introduction

By the end of 2016 Montenegro (MNE) and America were experiencing similar problems. Among numerous accusations by politicians that the Presidential elections in the USA and the Parliamentarian elections in Montenegro were irregular, there was one more thing that was common for Montenegro and USA last year – Russian meddling in the democratic process of both countries. According to an official assessment from American intelligence agencies, Russia was involved in the obstruction of the American presidential elections.

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