Is the West Abandoning the Balkans? | Kurt Bassuener

<p>In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC), about the changing geopolitical landscape in the Western Balkans and the growing challenges facing democratic movements across the region.</p><p>Starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina&#39;s elections, the conversation explores the Trump administration&#39;s increasingly transactional approach to the Balkans, the influence of political and business interests on US foreign policy, and the EU&#39;s reluctance to move beyond its established enlargement framework.</p><p>They also discuss Serbia&#39;s student-led movement, the prospects for democratic change, and why European leaders may be overlooking the region&#39;s most important democratic forces. </p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>00:00 – Introduction: Kurt Bassuener joins Talk Eastern Europe</p><p>02:00 – Bosnia&#39;s elections and the limits of political change03:45 – Is Washington changing its approach to the Balkans?06:55 – Why the concept of &quot;the West&quot; no longer works10:00 – US foreign policy and democratic principles14:05 – Can Europe still defend democracy in the region?21:22 – Serbia&#39;s student movement and the prospects for change 25:03 – What would a democratic transition in Serbia require? 31:41 – Why the Western Balkans matter for Europe&#39;s future32:02 – Final reflections: An &quot;angry optimist&quot;</p><p>Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space.                     </p><p><strong>Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine </strong></p><p>Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. <a href="https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/">https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/</a></p><p><strong>Support us on Patreon</strong></p><p>Join our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.</p><p><a href="https://www.patreon.com/cw/talkeasterneurope">https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope</a></p><p><strong>Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe Newsletter</strong></p><p>Weekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: <a href="https://briefeastern