DOCSLIB.ORG

Initiatives to Prevent/Counter Violent Extremism in South East Europe a Survey of Regional Issues, Initiatives and Opportunities

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Initiatives to Prevent/Counter Violent Extremism in South East Europe a Survey of Regional Issues, Initiatives and Opportunities Initiatives to Prevent/Counter Violent Extremism in South East Europe A Survey of Regional Issues, Initiatives and Opportunities ISSN number, Year xx, Number xx Good. Better. Regional. Publisher: Regional Cooperation Council Trg Bosne i Hercegovine 1/V, 71000 Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel: +387 33 561 700; Fax: +387 33 561 701 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.rcc.int Author: Dr. Valery Perry Editor: Stefana Greavu, RCC This document is prepared and developed in cooperation between Regional Cooperation Council and Dr. Valery Perry. Please note that data collection for this report ended on June 16, 2016. This survey has been funded by the Regional Cooperation Council. The responsibility for the content, the views, interpretations and conditions expressed herein rests solely with the author and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the Regional Cooperation Council or of its participants, partners, donors or of the European Union. ©RCC2016 All rights reserved. The content of this publication may be used for non- commercial purposes, with the appropriate credit attributed to the RCC. Initiatives to Prevent/Counter Violent Extremism in South East Europe A Survey of Regional Issues, Initiatives and Opportunities Sarajevo, July 2016 INITIATIVES TO PREVENT/COUNTER VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN SOUTH EAST EUROPE Executive Summary and Key Recommendations Turkey). The aim of the research was to identify Introduction gaps and unnecessary overlap, and contains conclusions and recommendations. The survey was conducted through interviews with over The topic of violent extremism has increasingly hundred experts and stakeholders to understand become a part of policy discussions among their diagnosis of the challenge, to understand domestic officials, international actors, academic ongoing activities in PVE/CVE and to seek their researchers and civic activists in South East Europe recommendations for more effective domestic and (SEE) over the past several years. The prominence regional initiatives. This report summarizes this of this issue has been driven to a large extent by research exercise and is aimed at being a tool for the concerns of ISIL/Daesh-inspired terror,1 the the governments, international organizations and threat of foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) gaining independent actors to better understand trends, battlefield experience in Syria and Iraq and initiatives and challenges across the region. then returning to their home countries, and the substantial media attention which surrounds acts of high-profile terrorist activities. The role of social media and global outreach in overcoming borders has illustrated the negative side of increased Key Findings global communication, mobility and connectivity, and demonstrated new security threats. There The following key findings are, among others, is a growing recognition that traditional counter- explored in the report: terrorism (CT) measures may not be enough to successfully suppress violent manifestations of There has been substantial progress in the re- extremism and terror. Measures to prevent violent gion in developing specific CT and CVE strate- extremism (PVE) and counter violent extremism gies that include attention to prevention. These (CVE) are required to truly reduce risk factors. documents provide governments with a guiding framework for future work. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) commissioned this study to better understand The level of consultation in developing these the situation regarding violent extremism, and strategies has been generally low. There are related planned and on-going governmental and different views on what constitutes consulta- non-governmental activities in preventing and tion. However, if there is a perception that a countering radicalization and violent extremism strategy or action has not involved sufficient leading to terrorism in SEE (Albania, Bosnia and meaningful consultation, there is less likelihood Herzegovina, Kosovo*2, Montenegro, Serbia, of public trust and engagement in implementa- The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and tion. 1 Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Islamic State of Violent extremism is primarily viewed through Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Islamic State (IS) and Daesh were all the prism the threat of the ISIL/Daesh. Other used by various individuals consulted to refer to this phenom- forms of extremism, such as domestic right-wing enon. The term ISIL/Daesh will be used in this report as per nomenclature agreed in the Southeast European Cooperation extremism, are noted as a secondary concern, Process Ministerial Meeting, Joint Statement on Terrorism, un- if acknowledged at all. An exception is Turkey, less certain respondents specifically used another term. (The which is facing a unique combination of indige- statement is available at http://www.punetejashtme.gov.al/ nous and external threats. files/news_files/SEECP_-Joint_Statement_on_Terrorism.pdf). The use of this term is not intended to confirm or reify any links between Islam as a faith and either violence or extremism, but There is a tendency among interlocutors (partic- is used in this instance for simplicity. ularly among officials) to state that what is most 2 This designation is without prejudice to positions on needed to prevent/counter violent extremism status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion is economic development and infrastructure on the Kosovo* declaration of independence. 4 A SURVEY OF REGIONAL ISSUES, INITIATIVES AND OPPORTUNITIES investment. However, when discussing further, accountability are viewed as the least resilient there is recognition that there is an ideological/ to these threats. worldview factor and deeper inclusion/alien- ation issues that must be addressed as well. CVE is broadly viewed as consisting of a com- bination of repressive and preventive measures Independent experts noted that social exclu- There is consistently greater confidence in sion, marginalization and a search for meaning/ the ability to implement repressive measures belonging are contributing factors to radicaliza- including policing, intelligence, surveillance, tion. There are few political trends in support of arrest and incarceration. Community policing greater inclusion of citizens in social and public as a concept is minimally understood, and in life, or to cultivate multi-layered and inclusive practice remains weak throughout the region identities – in spite of the need for such policies. – particularly in communities populated by non-majority or marginalized groups. The threat of extremism and latent or opera- tional violent extremism is viewed as a threat, There is less confidence in the ability to com- though the numbers of adherents of violent ex- mit to the preventive strategies needed, in- tremism, including but not limited to foreign cluding more robust psycho-social support terrorist fighters (FTFs)/returning FTFs, are not systems, stronger education and the cultiva- in themselves inordinately high when compared tion of more resilient communities. Respon- with Western Europe. dents note that such long-term projects are All stakeholders consulted noted a drop in the not always attractive to donors seeking short- number of individuals from Western Balkans term deliverables and “successes,” and are going to fight in Syria/Iraq since 2015, a de- approached hesitantly by domestic officials crease explained by a combination of fear of wary of the political perils of long-term policy legal consequences and greater awareness of commitments. the risks through exposure to ISIL/Daesh pro- Non-official interlocutors were most likely to paganda and increased domestic media cov- note that the lack of truly independent insti- erage. However, nearly all respondents were tutions in each location contributes to inef- clear in confirming that this drop does not fective response to the challenge of radical- mean that radicalization has stopped. ization, and, in particular, to prevention. Relative absence of significant acts of terror- The past two years have seen an increase in the ism and violent extremism in the areas stud- amount of research available on this topic. How- ied (Turkey as a notable exception) has made ever, much remains unknown and the need for it possible for many societies to ignore the evidence to diagnose the problems and demon- problem. However, extremism, with the po- strate effective prevention techniques is sorely tential to turn violent domestically or abroad, needed. is viewed as a risk. The refugee crisis was not noted by interlocutors as a driver of extremism in itself, but viewed as a tool that might be used by some officials with Key Recommendations other agendas, and as a wedge issue that could promote growing populism and xenophobia. With the exception of Turkey, few saw refugee The following are key recommendations with flows as a primary route for extremists to en- regional relevance; specific recommendations are ter the region; there are easier ways. However, included for each of the seven cases studied: several individuals noted the overlap between refugee transit routes and the broader Balkan Officials and independent actors alike note that route that facilitates illicit trafficking in drugs, they need more information on what is happen- arms and people. ing in each location and in the region, in terms of diagnostic analysis and current or planned There is a broad worry among non-official re- PVE/CVE activities. This report should be shared spondents that the threat and fear of VE might
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Kosovo Constraints Analysis 1 KOSOVO CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS the KOSOVO CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS
    The production of the constraints analyses posted on this website was led by the partner governments, and was used in the development of a Millennium Challenge Compact or threshold program. Although the preparation of the constraints analysis is a collaborative process, posting of the constraints analyses on this website does not constitute an endorsement by MCC of the content presented therein. 2014-001-1569-02 Kosovo Constraints Analysis 1 KOSOVO CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS THE KOSOVO CONSTRAINTS ANALYSIS This report is published by the Millennium Challenge Kosovo Ofce, at the Ofce of the Prime Minister, Republic of Kosovo. For the publisher: Petrit Selimi, National Coordinator of the Millennium Challenge Kosovo Ofce AUTHORS: Alban Zogaj, Chief Economist | Burim Hashani, Energy Specialist | Violeta Rexha, Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist | Edona Kurtolli-Alija, Private Sector Development Specialist | Adrian Prenkaj, Rule of Law consultant | Sarah Olmstead, MCC Country Team Lead | Stefan Osborne, MCC Lead Economist | Bradley Cunningham, MCC Economist | Jozefina Cutura, MCC Gender and Social Inclusion Specialist | The research on this paper began in June 2016. We want to thank the dedicated team that runs Kosovo Core Team for helping bring the Constraints Analysis to life: Petrit Selimi, Rina Meta, Tahir Bungu and Kastriot Orana. The editorial design of this book was produced by Advertising Studio D-Line. We would like to especially acknowledge the contributions of Rina Meta. 8 Kosovo Constraints Analysis CONTENT Kosovo Constraints Analysis 9 1. Introduction 2. Methodology of Growth Diagnostics 3. Summary of Binding Constraints to Economic Growth in Kosovo 4. Overview of Kosovo’s Economy 5. Kosovo’s Innovation and Export Diversity 6.
    [Show full text]
  • 123-Year-Old Woman Voted in Kosovo Election
    Opinion: Kosovars Caught in Truman Show Now 24 pages September 17 - 30, 2010 Issue No. 47 www.prishtinainsight.com Price € 1 Dude, Looks NEWS Rugova’s Party at Like George Crossroads Clooney > page 3 Kosovo and Serbia rarely see eye to eye with each other, but the battle between the two coun- tries has now entered NEWS a new phase – whose Albania Complains, leader looks most like Kosovo Continues Hollywood’s official Power Project silver-haired fox, > page 4 George Clooney? BUSINESS See Page 5 Kosovo’s Tax Revenue Drops 123-Year-Old Woman Voted in by 10 per cent > page 6 Kosovo Election CITY Prishtina Insight has uncovered evidence that a 123-year-old woman and a 120-year-old man voted in both rounds of Architects, Artists November’s local elections in Kosovo, raising concerns about electoral abuse of the country’s outdated electoral roll Central Election Commission, tion of 11 NGOs which had more will not be used to update the list. Slam Grand Hotel By Prishtina Insight Team CEC, and Ministry of Internal than 2000 monitors in polling sta- Blerim Camaj, head of the Affairs, to update the electoral roll. tions in November, said that inac- agency for civilian status in the Makeover 123-year-old woman and a Xhemajl Pecani, head of the curacies in the electoral roll were Ministry of Internal Affairs, said 120-year-old man cast votes CEC, told Prishtina Insight that open to abuse. that the ministry was working to > page 8 Ain both rounds of Kosovo’s his organisation was aware of the He said: “The presence of those improve the accuracy of next local elections in November 2009, problem, but they would not be names is due to the non-registra- year’s planned general elections.
    [Show full text]
  • Mosques,Beautifulski Resorts Andothernat- ESCO World Heritage Sites of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Kosovo Alsohasalot to Offer to Theworld
    AS WE ARE AS WE ARE THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC KOSOVO AFFAIRS THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN STORIES OLD AND NEW OF A COUNTRY THRIVING AS WE ARE 3 Free to love We are building our own country, nourishing a population of 70% younger than 35, led by a female president in a place where everyone is free to love. AS WE ARE AS WE ARE Stories old and new of a country thriving - The material in this book has been collected, created and edited for the sole purpose of offering an overview and promoting Kosovo’s history, art, culture, education and science. ‘AS WE ARE / Stories old and new of a country thriving’ includes material previously published in July 2015 under the name ‘AS WE ARE / Stories old and new of a country in the making’. Both books feature the diplomatic efforts of The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in lobbying for Kosovo’s acceptance in UNESCO. The republished work in this edition reinforces these efforts and insists on the unique values that Kosovo has to offer. Photos published in this book are submitted by participants in #instakosova #instakosovo competition, selected from the archives of Kosovo photographers, and others are withdrawn from UNESCO website, Database of Cultural Heritage in Kosovo, Wikimedia Commons and other promotional websites of the same will. This book is not intended for sale. CREDITS AS WE ARE is produced and published under the guidance and for The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo in support of its efforts in joining UNESCO Title: AS WE ARE Stories old and new of a country
    [Show full text]
  • Peacemaking in the New World Disorder
    2015 Peacemaking in the new world disorder Authored by Paul Dziatkowiec, Christina Buchhold, Jonathan Harlander, Massimiliano Verri Meeting report THE OSLO FORUM Improving the mediation of armed conflict A global series of mediation retreats Where politics meets practice The Oslo Forum is the leading international network of Participation is by invitation only. Sessions take the form of conflict mediation practitioners. Co-hosted by the Centre closed-door discussions, and adhere to the Chatham House Rule for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) and the Royal Norwegian of non-attribution. Sessions are designed to stimulate informed Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Oslo Forum regularly convenes exchanges with provocative inputs from a range of speakers, conflict mediators, peacemakers, high level decision-makers including conflict party representatives, war correspondents, and key peace process actors in a series of informal and discreet outstanding analysts, thinkers and experts. retreats. Participants have included Kofi Annan, former Secretary- The Oslo Forum features an annual global event in Oslo, General of the United Nations; Jimmy Carter, former President complemented by regional retreats in Africa and Asia. The aim of the United States; Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary is to improve conflict mediation practice through facilitating of the National League for Democracy in Myanmar; Juan Manuel open exchange and reflection, providing informal networking Santos, President of Colombia; Thabo Mbeki, former President opportunities that encourage coordination and cooperation of South Africa; Martti Ahtisaari, former President of Finland; when needed, and allowing space for conflict parties to advance Mohammad Khatami, former President of the Islamic Republic their negotiations. of Iran; Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of Nigeria; Gerry Adams, President of Sinn Féin, and Fatou Bensouda, Prosecutor Sharing experiences and insights of the International Criminal Court.
    [Show full text]
  • Republika E Kosovës Republika Kosova - Republic of Kosovo Qeveria –Vlada – Government
    Republika e Kosovës Republika Kosova - Republic of Kosovo Qeveria –Vlada – Government Ministria e Punëve të Jashtme – Ministarstvo Inostranih Poslova – Ministry of Foreign Affairs Departamenti për Medie – Departament za Medije - Department of Media Kosovo's interfaith initiative echoes around the globe Prishtina, June 2015 - Kosovo’s 4th International Interfaith Conference in Prishtina set new highs for global reach via social media, youth participation, gender equality and diversity. Entitled ‘Interfaith Dialogue In Time of Social Media: Enabling Agents of Change Countering Violent Extremism and Hate Speech’ the three day event focused on debating topics through a multi-disciplinary approach and developing tools to improve social activism against religious extremism. Delegates included global faith leaders, ministers and senior government officials, entrepreneurs, international representatives, and members of civil society. Opening remarks from the President of Kosovo H. E. Atifete Jahjaga, were followed by an inspiring, well- received keynote speech by Rabbi Michael Melchior, Chief Rabbi of Norway. Kosovo’s faith leaders also addressed the audience. They included Mr. Ejup Ramadani from the Islamic Community of Kosovo; Dr. Don Lush Gjergji from the Catholic Church of Kosovo; Father Sava Janjic, Orthodox Church; Pastor Driton Krasniqi, Protestant Evangelical Church of Kosovo; Sheh Lulzim Shehu, Sufi Union of Kosovo Tarikats; Mr. Votim Demiri, Jewish Community of Kosovo; Baba Mumin Lama, Bektashi Community of Kosovo. Facebook executive
    [Show full text]
  • Kosovo, from Supervised Independence to Potential EU Candidate by Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi
    Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign SEPT/OCT 2013 Affairs of Republic of Kosovo. No.12 Year III. Greece strongly Kosovo’s Kosovo now supports the European perspective of Kosovo Path to Gender recognised 5 questions with the Head Equality by 101 UN of the Greek Liaison Office members Kosovo’s NewDiplomatFollow our sites on Twitter: @MFAKosovo @InterfaithKosovo @germiahillconf Kosovo, from supervised independence to potential EU candidate By Prime Minister of Republic of Kosovo, Hashim Thaçi The end of the supervised inde- ready playing a positive role. We pendence was a major beginning have the lowest debt compared to for the Republic of Kosovo. It GDP ratio in all of Europe. We al- was the moment that marked our so have the highest GDP growth political maturity and increased in the Eurozone, which Kosovo our social responsibilities. Like is a de facto member of through ever before, these two catego- our special relationship with the ries walk hand-in-hand: ma- German Bundesbank. In June of turity is achieved only through this year our efforts culminated the giving of responsibility, and with the decision of the Council vice versa. The people of Kosovo of the European Union to autho- themselves decided their status rize the European Union to start after decades of neglect and op- talks on Stabilisation and Asso- pression that almost ended with ciation Agreement with Kosovo. a genocide of unseen proportions Kosovo has invested public in Europe after World War Two. funds in infrastructure and ed- Many challenges lie ahead for the ucation, and we have plans to new state of Kosovo.
    [Show full text]
  • NORDEM Anniversary Report (English)
    NORDEM 20 years This is NORDEM NORDEM, the Norwegian NORDEM recruits, trains and NORDEM’s annual courses on Resource Bank for Democracy deploys qualified personnel to human rights, democratisation and Human Rights, is a civilian roughly 15 international organi- and election observation inte- capacity provider specialising in sations and operations that work grate both practical and aca- human rights and democratisa- in the field of human rights and demic perspectives. NORDEM tion support. democratisation. NORDEM aims also develops and conducts towards gender balance in specialised courses. NORDEM’s main objective is to recruitment and deployment. enhance the capacity of interna- The Organisation for Security and NORDEM supports several tional organisations and national Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), international mechanisms and authorities to promote democ- the UN and the EU are some of collaborates with a number racy and human rights. NORDEM’s main partners. of organisations that provide civilian capacity. In addition, NORDEM’s expertise includes NORDEM manages a standby NORDEM offers advice, supports good governance, democratic roster of approximately 250 the transfer of knowledge and institutions, independence of the experts who have completed experience and contributes to judiciary, judicial and legal more than 2,000 assignments research. reform, human rights, election since 1993. observation and election NORDEM is fully financed by the assistance. NORDEM publishes special Norwegian Ministry of Foreign reports and manuals. Affairs and is a programme at the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights at the University of Oslo. Table of contents Foreword by Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende................. 3 Foreword by Director of the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights Nils A.
    [Show full text]
  • Download File
    Analysis of the Situation of Women and Children in Kosovo* Development Pathways 30 September 2019 *All references to Kosovo are made in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999) TABLE OF CONTENTS Table of Figures............................................................................................................................................................. iv Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................................................... v Abbreviations............................................................................................................................................................... vii Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................... ix Chapter One: Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 1 Chapter Two: The National Context ................................................................................................................................ 9 Chapter Three: The First Decade of Life ........................................................................................................................ 31 Chapter Four: The Second Decade of Life – Adolescents and Youths ............................................................................. 57 Chapter
    [Show full text]
  • EU Insisting on Normalization of Relations Between Kosovo and Serbia
    Bi-monthly newsletter of Ministry of Foreign MAY/JUN 2013 Affairs of Republic of Kosovo. No.10 Year III. The Netherlands Kosovo marks is a staunch The Week of supporter of Kosovo’s Tolerance and its debut with a independence Reconciliation Pavilion at the Five Questions for Dutch 20-26 May, 2013 interfaithkosovo.org Ambassador Robert Bosch in Kosovo Venice Biennale Kosovo’s NewDiplomatFollow our sites on Twitter: @MFAKosovo @InterfaithKosovo @germiahillconf INTERVIEW Minister Hoxhaj: The NEWS agreement will allow all Kosovars to enjoy political liberties The recent agreement between Kosovo and Serbia requires that all parallel structures such as police or courts in the Ser- bia-populated Northern Kosovo should be dismantled, Kosovo Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj told EurActiv Slovakia in an exclusive interview. Do you perceive the recent Agreement Prime Minister of Kosovo and Prime Minister of Serbia signed the agreement facilitated by EU Foreign Policy Chief Baroness Ashton on norma- lisation of ENVER relations HOXHAJ with Serbia EU insisting on normalization of as a victory Foreign for Kosovo? Minister The relations between Kosovo and Serbia Agreement between Kosovo and Serbia that The Republic of Kosovo gives significant priority to compliance with the outlines the guiding prin- ciples for the normalization of content and the spirit of the EU agreement inter-state relations is a victory for both countries. It is a victory of our European future above Following the historic EU agree- agreement to disband, in order plan is signed, with concrete im- ly. Successful implementation is the bitter past and an oppor- ment reached on April 19 in Brus- for Prishtina and Belgrade to ad- plementation on the ground can in the interests of both countries, tunity for inter-state political sels between the Prime Ministers vance in their separate EU inte- begin.
    [Show full text]
  • Kosovo by Krenar Gashi
    Kosovo by Krenar Gashi Capital: Pristina Population: 1.8 million GNI/capita, PPP: US$8,940 Source: The data above are drawn from the World Bank’s World Development Indicators 2014. Nations in Transit Ratings and Averaged Scores Kosovo 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Electoral Process 4.75 4.75 4.75 4.50 4.50 4.25 4.50 5.00 5.00 4.75 Civil Society 4.00 4.25 4.25 4.00 4.00 3.75 3.75 3.75 4.00 3.75 Independent Media 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 National Democratic Governance 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.50 5.25 5.50 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.50 Local Democratic Governance 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.50 5.25 5.00 5.00 4.75 4.75 4.75 Judicial Framework and Independence 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.50 5.50 5.50 Corruption 6.00 6.00 6.00 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 5.75 6.00 6.00 Democracy Score 5.32 5.36 5.36 5.21 5.14 5.07 5.18 5.18 5.25 5.14 NOTES: The ratings reflect the consensus of Freedom House, its academic advisers, and the author(s) of this report. The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author(s). The ratings are based on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 representing the highest level of democratic progress and 7 the lowest.
    [Show full text]
  • Thesis Proposal Template.Docx
    UNIWERSYTET WARSZAWSKI WYDZIAŁ NAUK POLITYCZNYCH I STUDIÓW MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH Labinot Hajdari Public Diplomacy of Small States: The Case of Kosovo Praca doktorska napisana pod kierunkiem naukowym prof. dr. hab. Jacka Wojnickiego Promotor pomocniczy: dr Małgorzata Mizerska-Wrotkowska Warszawa 2020 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Completing my doctoral studies and authoring my dissertation would not have been possible without the academic, professional, and moral support of many people. Ph.D. is not only a degree, but a process that involves everyone around you, therefore the support of the University, Supervisors, colleagues, family, and friends is crucial to achieving success. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to my supervisors Prof. dr. hab. Jacek Wojnicki and Dr Małgorzata Mizerska-Wrotkowska for their academic support and professional encouragement. Without their academic support, the goal of this dissertation would not have been realized. I would like to recognize the support of the Ph.D. Office of the Faculty of Political Sciences and International Studies, particularly dr hab. Maciej Raś and Ms. Monika Tomaszewska, and the invaluable assistance that they provided during my studies. I gratefully acknowledge the support from the interviewees and respondents of my research. It is because of their willingness to respond that I have managed to present a valuable piece of research in this dissertation. I am indebted to all my friends and family who have shown their unconditional support towards me throughout this journey. I particularly dedicate my Ph.D. to my parents, my sisters, and my brothers, to my wife, and my beautiful baby girl Jula, who has been the main source of my motivation to complete this Ph.D.
    [Show full text]
  • Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans
    REGIONAL COOPERATION IN THE WESTERN BALKANS September 14-17, 2015 | Budva In cooperation with: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Montenegro The Aspen Institute Germany wishes sincerely to thank the German Federal Foreign Office for its sponsorship of the Aspen Southeast Europe Program 2015 through the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe. ASPEN Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans! POLICY PROGRAM The mission of The Aspen Institute is to improve the quality of leadership through dialog about the values and ideals essential to meeting the challenges facing organizations and governments at all levels. Over its sixty year history, the Aspen Institute has been devoted to advancing values-based leadership – to creating a safe, neutral space in which leaders can meet in order to discuss the complex challenges facing modern societies confidentially and in depth, with respect for differing points of view, in a search for common ground. This reader includes conference papers and proceedings of Aspen Germany’s conference on “Regional Cooperation in the Western Balkans” on September 14- 17, 2015, Budva. The Aspen Institute’s role is limited to that of an organizer and convener. Aspen takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with the U.S. or German governments. All statements of fact and expressions of opinion contained in all Aspen publications are the sole responsibility of the author or authors. For further information about The Aspen Institute, please write Aspen Institute Deutschland e.V., Friedrichstraße 60, 10117 Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany or call at +49 30 80 48 90 0.
    [Show full text]