Croatia – Kosovo – Albania Alliance : Defense Pact or Provocation?
On March 18, the three countries signed an alliance in Tirana, defined as defensive, aiming to enhance their military capabilities through industrial cooperation, training, joint exercises, and information sharing. The text also mentions support for Kosovo’s aspiration to join NATO, of which Croatia and Albania are already members.
Reactions were swift, particularly in Serbia, where this alliance is seen as a provocation directed at Belgrade. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić described it as an “arms race in the region.” The Serbian Foreign Minister views it as a strategy to isolate Serbia. Several Serbian media outlets have already mentioned a counter-alliance with Hungary and Slovakia.
Meanwhile, NATO has stated that it was not involved in any consultation process regarding this declaration.
What initial analysis can be made of this announcement ?
The Serbian reaction to this alliance is unsurprising. The three countries were well aware that their initiative would arouse suspicion, hence their insistence on presenting it as purely defensive. One can doubt any claimed naivety in the face of the magnitude of Serbian reactions.
This alliance also embodies the new dynamic of international relations since the start of the war in Ukraine, with nations preparing for the worst, fearing that their neighbors, with whom they have had tumultuous relations for decades, might undermine their interests. This approach to international affairs, driven by a certain “paranoia” (which can be explained and understood depending on the context), is not unique to the Balkans ; it is found worldwide.
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