Transnational Security Challenges in the Western Balkans

Abstract

This paper discusses the common historic heritage of the Western Balkans in connection with organised crime. The geopolitical positioning, disintegration of the former Yugoslavia led to war, destruction, lagging socio-economic development and democracy, much needed reforms in the area of rule of law make the Western Balkans vulnerable to a range of security threats, both old and new transnational security challenges from illegal migration, border security, organised crime, corruption, radicalisation and violent extremism, to cyber security, disinformation, natural and man-made disaster risks. Each of the threats and risks has a multidimensional character, requiring a holistic and coordinated approach. The aim of the article is to highlight the ways in which transnational organised crime in the Western Balkans developed and is developing, to introduce the roots of the Balkan route and how to design more effective policy responses.