Tom Hashimoto, Lecturer of Political Science and International Relations, UNYT
US Vice-President Joe Biden arrived in Bosnia on Tuesday May 19th, commencing his three-day trip in the Balkans. Accompanying with him is Mr. Javier Solana, who composed the basics of the European Security Strategy. Prior to their arrival, the US Ambassador to Bosnia announced a renewed commitment of the US to the regional security. All of the above indicates that the Balkans are now back to the US foreign policy agenda. So what is now?
One view is rather pessimistic and less energetic, stating that the US does not understand the power structure in the region, and hence, nothing will change. Yet, we must not forget that the US overcame the racial discrimination nearly fifty years ago. Today, we see the result – President Barack Obama. His slogan during the campaign “Yes, We Can” is applicable to the Balkans even though the past racial conflict in the US and the current ethnic/religious conflict in the Balkans differ in details.
Furthermore, the US commitment to the region focusing on Bosnia and Kosovo will help not only democratization and stabilization of the region, but also integration of the region into a larger Europe. After all, the Balkans locate on the path from Greece to the continental Europe. Whether in form or in substance, cooperation with and integration into Europe is indispensable for the development of European peace. That is the reason why Mr. Solana, who is in charge of the EU’s foreign policy, is present with Vice President Biden.
Last week, the US House of Representatives (the lower chamber of the parliament) called for constitutional reform in Bosnia-Herzegovina in order to enhance national and regional security as well as to advance its democracy. Some groups in Bosnia detest the US involvement into domestic politics. At the same time, all of us must welcome the fact that the region is now regaining the attention in international arena without bloody wars. It is now up to us (as in locals in the region) to maintain peace we gained, or not. The answer from the US seems to be “Yes, We Can.”
