LIBERAL WESTERN BALKANS ON THE MOVE: YOUTH IN LIBERAL POLITICAL PARTIES
LIBERAL WESTERN BALKANS ON THE MOVE: YOUTH IN LIBERAL POLITICAL PARTIES

Author(s): Adisa Memišević, Anela Lemeš, Valida Repovac Nikšić
Subject(s): Government/Political systems, Political behavior, Politics and law, Politics and society, Comparative politics, Sociology of Politics
Published by: Fondacija Boris Divković
Keywords: case study; education; inclusion; initiatives; legislatives; liberal parties; political participation; politics; Western Balkans; youth; youth forum;
Summary/Abstract: This research focused on liberal parties in the Western Balkans region and their strategies for the advancement and promotion of political participation of the youth, not just within the party but also in their respective countries. The aim of this analysis was to review the current standpoints on youth representation in politics in the liberal political parties of the Western Balkans, to map their roles and strategies for advancement of youth political inclusion, and to raise the visibility of successful regional examples. Political, legal and policy contexts and frameworks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia were reviewed and assessed through the analysis of their quota systems, as well as through the overview of current youth representation in the parliaments of WB countries. Previous research indicates that political parties often do not support young politicians’ participation in the processes of political program development, despite having adopted youth programs and policies. The research was conceptualized as a case study of four liberal parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia and their strategies for development and promotion of political participation of the youth within the party, as well as in their respective countries. Comparative analysis was conducted using a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data and quantitative analysis of primary data collection to triangulate the information to the extent possible. In order to develop the new regional story, we need this research to examine intra-party democracy in these liberal parties, map their current views on youth and politics and see what types of activities could be introduced and adjusted to the needs of their parties and party systems.

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