Europäische Sicherheit und Sicherheitsprobleme auf dem Balkan
European Security and the Problem of Security in the Balkans

Summary/Abstract: This article examines recent trends in the Balkans within the framework of larger changes in East-West relations. During the past half decade two contradictory trends have manifested themselves in the Balkans: on the one hand there are a number of issues - among them the Cyprus dispute, the Macedonian polemics, the disintegrative tendencies in Yugoslavia, the Rumanian-Soviet conflict - which have served to increase the possibility of regional insecurity; on the other hand there has been a noticeable effort on the part of all Balkan states to improve relations and work toward greater regional co-operation. The talks in Geneva and Vienna are seen as playing an important role in the future developments in the Balkans. They could possibly lead to a loosening or gradual change in the structure of the present system of alliance, which in turn could serve to promote a trend toward greater flexibility in the conduct of foreign policy on the part of Balkan states as well as spur efforts to achieve greater regional solidarity. Many Balkan countries, however, fear that the talks may simply move the center of confrontation further south, thus endangering rather than ensuring greater security. Given the legacy of unsolved problems in the region it is becoming increasingly clear that Balkan security is an important aspect of the whole question of European security - as much for the Balkan states themselves.

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