Edward P. Joseph, a lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, says Serbia continues to serve as the most significant platform for Russian and Chinese influence in the Western Balkans.
Speaking to A2 CNN, Joseph discussed Russia’s regional strategy, Belgrade’s relationship with Moscow, Serbia’s EU ambitions, and the broader security situation in the Balkans.
He noted that Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina remain the only three countries in the region outside NATO, making the region particularly vulnerable to external pressure and influence.
According to Joseph, however, Serbia stands out as the most important channel for Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
“It is Serbia that is most significant as a platform for malign Russian and Chinese influence in the region,” Joseph said.
He also addressed the recent state honors surrounding former Bosnian Serb military commander Ratko Mladić, who was convicted of genocide and war crimes by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia and later upheld on appeal.
Joseph described the ceremony as a major step backward for Serbia, particularly given the presence of Russian and Serbian officials.
He warned that Russia could exploit such developments to strengthen its position in the region, while Serbia’s actions could simultaneously undermine its stated ambition of joining the European Union.
Joseph also urged officials in Albania to pay close attention to developments in Serbia, arguing that the glorification of convicted war criminals sends a troubling signal about Belgrade’s direction and its commitment to European integration.
For Joseph, Serbia’s balancing act between Moscow, Beijing and Brussels is becoming increasingly difficult to reconcile with its ambitions for EU membership.
