Western Balkans as an object of geopolitical analysis of the current situation in the region

Abstract

This article is an attempt to examine the current situation in the Western Balkans from the point of view of classical geopolitical scientific approaches. The author proceeds from the definition of the region as a typical metapole, that is, a territory simultaneously mastered by several world leaders in order to provide control over the main geopolitical lines there. The author defines the main actors of geopolitical rivalry in the region as the collective West (the US and their closest NATO allies), Turkey and Russia. The publication places considerable emphasis on the process of promoting the geo-economic projects in the territory of the Western Balkans as the main means of strengthening their own influence in the region. The Republic of Serbia, being a notable participant in intra-regional political processes, objectively attracts attention of the geopolitical rivalry, which creates additional risks for stability in this country and at the same time opens up certain opportunities for it in the social and economic sphere.