Security of the Balkans and 16+1 Initiative

• Main Authors: Zoran DRAGIŠIĆ, Milica ĆURČIĆ
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Faculty of Philosophy, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje 2017-12-01
• Series: Bezbednosni Dijalozi
• Subjects: new silk road; 16+1 initiative; security of the balkans; balkan security identity; security threats
• Online Access: http://periodica.fzf.ukim.edu.mk/sd/SD%2008.sp%20(2017)/SD%2008.sp.33%20Dragi%C5%A1ic,%20Z.%20&%20Curcic,%20M.%20-%20Security%20of%20the%20Balkans%20and%2016+1.pdf
• ISSN: 1857-7172; 1857-8055

The New Silk Road initiative represents a very important trade and cultural communication line connecting the two ends of the Eurasian continent - PR China and Europe. This initiative concern various aspects - political, economic, and cultural as well as the security aspect. Balkans security architecture has been significantly transformed over the last 20 years, but it is still challenging. This paper analyzes local security challenges and threats in the Balkans that may endanger the New Silk Road. Balkan security identity is a complex category and understanding of local security conditions is necessary to condition for the functioning of the Silk Road in this part of Europe. Through the Silk Road China gets a new role in the Balkans, which this paper is dedicated to mentioning. At the same time, the New Silk Road could bring new security threats to the Balkans.