THE WESTERN BALKANS IN THE LINE OF ATLANTICISM POLICY

Abstract

The policy of the "Collective West" with respect to the Western Balkans is determined by the geostrategic significance of the region in world politics. The ability to control this territory gives the powers significant political, economic, and military advantages. The EU and NATO have become centres of attraction for the Western Balkan countries since the beginning of the 90s of the twentieth century, offering them prospects for modernization and democratization, promising to finance reforms, create investment opportunities and grant full membership in the "club of the rich". In reality, the democratic prospect has not improved the situation in the region, it has not ceased the hostility of peoples, and it has not built a stable economy. The aspiration of the Euro-Atlanticists to consolidate the results of the victory in the Cold War, to prevent Russia's revenge and China’s strengthening has led to the expansion of the military and political presence, and it contributes to the escalation of tension now. The lack of unity between the EU and the USA on the future of Kosovo, Republika Srpska as part of Bosnia and Herzegovina is fraught with a new revision of borders in the Balkans.