The Balkans

Putin’s Balkan Gambit

By Damon Wilson

Buoyed by Successes in Europe’s East, Russia’s Leader Turns His Gaze to Serbia and Its Neighbors Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine aims to deny that nation a European future, partly by closing the door permanently to membership in NATO or the European Union. Putin’s aims, however, are not limited to extending a Russian […]

NATO Signals No New Members for the Present

By John-Thor Dahlburg, AP

Faced with a newly aggressive Russia, NATO has been mulling how to react, but it is ruling out one option: rapid expansion.

Extend NATO’s Umbrella to Montenegro and Macedonia

By Michael Haltzel, Washington Post

In reacting to Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine, President Obama has reassured exposed NATO members Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia of firm U.S. support

Why Expanding NATO would Deter Russia, Stabilize Europe

By Tomas Valasek and Damon Wilson, CNN GPS

At a time when NATO is facing a period of tensions and confrontation along its borders, does enlargement help or hurt the Alliance?

Consolidating Europe’s South

By Sarah Bedenbaugh

Toward a Europe Whole and Free Panel Explores Growth of Southern Europe After an eventful start to the two-day conference “Toward a Europe Whole and Free,” and immediately following keynote remarks by US Secretary of State John Kerry, the Atlantic Council held a moderated panel discussion on “Consolidating Europe’s South” with four ministers from the […]

Europe’s Security Catalyst

By Ditmir Bushati, Project Syndicate

Russia’s annexation of Crimea and ongoing threats against Ukraine are a reminder to the countries of Eastern Europe, particularly those in the Balkans, of NATO’s centrality to national – indeed, European – security.

Prime Minister: Montenegro Expects Invitation to Join NATO in September

Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic is optimistic about his country’s chances of receiving an invitation to join NATO in Wales at the September 2014 NATO summit. He praised US support for Montenegro’s ambition during his speech at the Atlantic Council on April 8. Djukanovic said that his country is in an “encouraging place,” and noted […]

Austria Boosts Peacekeepers in Balkans After Golan Withdrawal

By Georgina Prodhan, Reuters

Austria will send more peacekeepers to the Balkans and Africa after its withdrawal from the Golan Heights last year raised questions about the neutral Alpine country’s international commitment.

After Afghanistan, How Will We Fight the Next Multination War?

By Stephen Saideman, Globe and Mail

As 2014 seems to be the year that we look back and ponder what the Afghanistan war means for the future, the question becomes: what of NATO?