Between East and West: Navigating alliances in the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans is a region of profound geopolitical significance, shaped by its historical legacy of conflict, shifting alliances, and aspirations for integration into both the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Despite official EU aspirations, public opinion across the region remains deeply fragmented. A  survey conducted by the International Republican Institute (IRI) offers a vital snapshot of how public perceptions of alliances and threats are evolving. The poll also reveals that while some Western Balkan states lean towards the West, others —most notably Serbia—continue to align with Russia and China. Moreover, the prevalence of anti-Western propaganda, particularly through Serbian and Russian media, has further complicated efforts to foster a pro-European consensus. These findings underscore the geopolitical challenges facing the region and highlight the need for a more strategic Western approach.

Perceptions of allies

In the Western Balkans, ally preferences reveal major regional divides, reflecting both historical ties as well as more recent geopolitical calculations.

Albanians resoundingly designate the United States as their foremost ally, with a commanding 56% endorsement, followed by Italy and Turkey. Meanwhile, Bosnians pivot towards Turkey as their primary ally, with 22