A Forward Looking Vision for the Balkans
A Forward Looking Vision for the Balkans

Author(s): Ahmet Davutoğlu
Subject(s): International relations/trade, Security and defense
Published by: Atatürk Stratejik Araştırmalar Enstitüsü
Summary/Abstract: The Balkan region is at a historical juncture as the SEECP (South East European Cooperation Process) is soon to celebrate its 15th anniversary. It is high time for regional countries to reflect on the past 15 years and reassess the potential role this process could play in the future of the region. What was the joint vision that prompted the Balkan nations to initiate this process? What have been the achievements of the SEECP? What are the factors that render this process a vital component of regional a airs? What are the challenges that must be met for the further development of the SEECP? These are but a few questions that we, as the stakeholders in the creation of a peaceful and stable regional order in the Balkans, have to seriously ponder. Despite the argument that the forces of globalization will reduce local differences and facilitate the emergence of a single global society, we are still living in a world of regions where local and regional processes increasingly gain prominence. This essay proposes an alternative vision of furthering regional cooperation around the SEECP, based on a set of methodology and policy principles, in an attempt to stimulate a wider debate on the subject in the intellectual and policy circles in the Balkan region. In particular, this essay outlines the normative bases and policy principles for regional cooperation as the Balkan nations contemplate how to reorgan-ize their institutional architecture in this new era.

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