Analyst and one of the founders of the Democratization Policy Council, Kurt Bassuener, discussed the U.S. elections and their potential impact on the Western Balkans in an interview with “Public Square” host Ditmir Bushati.
Bassuener expressed his fears regarding a potential Donald Trump victory, emphasizing the alarming events that occurred during his first term. He noted that the Trump administration was open to the idea of dividing Kosovo, indicating that they sought any agreement that could be framed as a foreign policy win for Trump.
“I am extremely scared if Donald Trump wins, as we saw enough of what happened the first time. The Biden administration opposed the division of Kosovo, unlike Trump’s administration, which was open to this proposal from Vučić and Thaçi, supported by Mogherini. I believe it was a hidden agenda when Vučić and Grenell tried to negotiate something. They wanted any agreement that would give Trump a win in foreign policy,” Bassuener stated.
He described Trump as a “Balkan politician,” emphasizing that he operates within a system that lacks clear boundaries between personal and public matters. Bassuener believes that reactionaries in the region are eagerly awaiting Trump’s return, thinking they will have the freedom to act as they wish.
“We also saw the business deal involving Kushner and Ivanka Trump in Vlorë and Belgrade, co-led by Richard Grenell. I think Trump is our first Balkan president, as he had exactly the same operating style,” he added.
Regarding Kamala Harris, Bassuener pointed out that she lacks deep knowledge of the Balkans, though her national security advisor, Philip Gordon, is familiar with the region. “He was an assistant secretary during the Obama administration and is very oriented towards a cautious foreign policy,” he concluded.
