An examination of the Balkans in international politics from past to present

Abstract

In international politics, the evaluation of a region with multiple actors such as the Balkans is only possible by means of a multi-faceted and detailed study. This work examines important phases of Balkan history from a perspective of international relations and from within a political historical discipline. This thesis is an examination of a particular story of a geographical region viewed from perspectives which reflect internal and external policies. While considering in turn each point of change in Balkan history, this work sets out from the idea of making a significant conflict-resolution exercise for the creation of a stabilization zone for the Balkans, which even to this day has the characteristic of being a "powder keg." The periods of Ottoman Hegemony, The Development of Modern Balkan States, The Cold War Period, and Contemporary Balkan Developments, each displays its own particular characteristics and reflects the points of disruption during the long span of the period under discussion. However, in all periods which are examined in the course of this work, the truths that are encountered in relation to the Balkans are the influences of demography, geography and external forces on Balkan geopolitics and history. Overall, the outzone of this influence can be evaluated as instability.