Alexander “Sasha” Kassanof has been selected to succeed Gabriel Escobar as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Special Representative for the Western Balkans. Kassanof is known for his work with the U.S. Department of State, particularly in assignments aimed at curbing Russian influence, which provides a clear context for his involvement in the region, as reported by Serbian media outlet Nova.
Escobar, who has held the role since the summer of 2021, is remembered for the Brussels Agreement between Belgrade and Prishtina and the Ohrid Agreement, which aimed to pave the way for normalized relations between the two parties. However, significant progress in dialogue has been lacking since the agreements were signed. “I remain hopeful, but my mandate has ended. I know this office will continue to prioritize this,” Escobar stated in one of his final media addresses as the Special Representative.
Who is Alexander Kassanof?
Throughout his diplomatic career, Kassanof has served in key roles such as Executive Assistant to former Under Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and Acting Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass. He received the prestigious “James Clement Dunn Award” for excellence for his work as a political advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv during the 2014 Maidan Revolution, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych and established a pro-European government.
Nikola Jovanović, former advisor to the Foreign Minister and current director of the NGO CLS, believes Kassanof’s primary focus will be to diminish Russian influence in the Western Balkans. Despite his limited experience in the region, his appointment is seen through the lens of his previous engagement in Ukraine.
“One can expect the Western Balkans to be viewed exclusively in the context of the West-Russia conflict over Ukraine,” Jovanović notes. Kassanof’s long-standing association with Victoria Nuland, who still influences him, suggests continued pressure on Serbia regarding sanctions against Russia, the provision of ammunition and aid to Ukraine, and the expansion of sanctions lists targeting Serbian individuals and companies.
“Unfortunately, Serbia lacks deep connections with America’s business and tech elite, so bureaucrats wield significant influence, often to our detriment,” writes Nova.
On the other hand, diplomat Nebojša Vujović describes Kassanof as a “perfect storm.” “He is a punitive force for Dodik and a disciplinarian for Vučić. However, he will likely hold this position only until January 10 and Trump’s inauguration, as with Donald Trump’s presidency, all ambassadors and administration officials will resign,” Vujović emphasizes.
In Washington, Kassanof has held various roles, including Director of the Office of Global Policy and Programs in the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Director of the Office of Eastern European Affairs, and Deputy Director of the Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflict.
