Papers by Courtney Doggart
The countries of Southeast Europe—including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia—a... more The countries of Southeast Europe—including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia—are at risk. Following the bloody ethnic wars of the 1990s, these countries are experiencing what seems to be a period of peace and economic development. Yet, in reality, the seeming stability of the past two decades is built on a foundation of nationalism, corruption, ethnic tensions, and government stagnation that threatens to erode if left unattended—with dangerous consequences for the region and the world. Active U.S. leadership has been absent in the region for more than a decade. During that time, the potential for Islamic extremism to take root, the actions of foreign powers including Russia, and—until borders were closed—a stream of refugees fleeing violence and economic deprivation have all increased pressure on a region with little political leadership at home and little attention from abroad.
The current solution—using EU accession as a catalyst for internal reforms in these countries—is a risky proposition. The timeline is too long and uncertain, the EU itself is under pressure, and when accession is achieved, as in Croatia, the reforms don’t always stick. Between rising nationalism, a meddling Russia, and the threat of Islamic extremism, the region poses a real security threat to Europe and the world if it cannot overcome political differences, work towards creating a stable economy, improve bilateral regional relations, and ensure stability and security that will ultimately benefit all countries in the region.
Bright spots exist. Growing the private sector, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has the potential to provide an alternative future for the English-speaking, technologically savvy youth who can fuel it. Shifting power away from government could help create a more diversified society, unlocking opportunities outside the official bureaucracy to combat unemployment, disaffection, and the lure of extremism. Ultimately, efforts that bring all actors together to work toward a positive future based on development and coexistence will create a more stable region.
This report examines the current forces shaping Southeast Europe and identifies major challenges and opportunities, drawn from extensive interviews over the course of eighteen months with leaders in and experts on the region. The report concludes with recommendations for U.S. policymakers, business leaders, the media, and philanthropists, all of whom have a vital role to play in shoring up a region adrift.
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Papers by Courtney Doggart
The current solution—using EU accession as a catalyst for internal reforms in these countries—is a risky proposition. The timeline is too long and uncertain, the EU itself is under pressure, and when accession is achieved, as in Croatia, the reforms don’t always stick. Between rising nationalism, a meddling Russia, and the threat of Islamic extremism, the region poses a real security threat to Europe and the world if it cannot overcome political differences, work towards creating a stable economy, improve bilateral regional relations, and ensure stability and security that will ultimately benefit all countries in the region.
Bright spots exist. Growing the private sector, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has the potential to provide an alternative future for the English-speaking, technologically savvy youth who can fuel it. Shifting power away from government could help create a more diversified society, unlocking opportunities outside the official bureaucracy to combat unemployment, disaffection, and the lure of extremism. Ultimately, efforts that bring all actors together to work toward a positive future based on development and coexistence will create a more stable region.
This report examines the current forces shaping Southeast Europe and identifies major challenges and opportunities, drawn from extensive interviews over the course of eighteen months with leaders in and experts on the region. The report concludes with recommendations for U.S. policymakers, business leaders, the media, and philanthropists, all of whom have a vital role to play in shoring up a region adrift.
The current solution—using EU accession as a catalyst for internal reforms in these countries—is a risky proposition. The timeline is too long and uncertain, the EU itself is under pressure, and when accession is achieved, as in Croatia, the reforms don’t always stick. Between rising nationalism, a meddling Russia, and the threat of Islamic extremism, the region poses a real security threat to Europe and the world if it cannot overcome political differences, work towards creating a stable economy, improve bilateral regional relations, and ensure stability and security that will ultimately benefit all countries in the region.
Bright spots exist. Growing the private sector, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has the potential to provide an alternative future for the English-speaking, technologically savvy youth who can fuel it. Shifting power away from government could help create a more diversified society, unlocking opportunities outside the official bureaucracy to combat unemployment, disaffection, and the lure of extremism. Ultimately, efforts that bring all actors together to work toward a positive future based on development and coexistence will create a more stable region.
This report examines the current forces shaping Southeast Europe and identifies major challenges and opportunities, drawn from extensive interviews over the course of eighteen months with leaders in and experts on the region. The report concludes with recommendations for U.S. policymakers, business leaders, the media, and philanthropists, all of whom have a vital role to play in shoring up a region adrift.