Garčević Contributes Expertise at Budapest Balkans Forum
Ambassador Vesko Garčević, Professor of the Practice of International Relations at Boston University’s Pardee School of Global Studies, recently participated in the Budapest Balkans Forum from March 11 to March 13, 2024, in Hungary. The forum, organized by the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung from Germany, convened over 100 global experts, decision-makers, and policy-shapers.
Garcevic, alongside colleagues Edward P. Joseph, Berta López Domènech, and Vessela Tcherneva, engaged as a panelist in the discussion titled “The World Elects: Diving into the Unknown in the Context of the Western Balkans.” The keynote address was delivered by Steven Everts, Director of the EU Institute for Security Studies.
The discussion centered on the impact of the US and EU elections on the dynamics of the Balkans, exploring potential outcomes under different administrations. Garcevic offered insights into the implications of a Biden versus a Trump presidency on transatlantic relations and regional affairs, particularly focusing on the Balkans’ aspirations for EU membership and the role of Russia in Southeast Europe.
Reflecting on the US Presidential elections, Garcevic emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration between the EU and the US under a Biden administration, while anticipating uncertainty and shifts in global dynamics in the event of a Trump re-election. He highlighted possible repercussions for the Balkans, including potential diplomatic appointments and aid considerations.
Ambassador Vesko Garčević dealt with issues pertinent to European security and NATO for almost 14 years during his diplomatic career. In 2004, he was posted in Vienna to serve as Ambassador to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was Montenegro’s Ambassador to NATO from 2010 until 2014 and served as Montenegro’s National Coordinator for NATO from 2015 until he joined the faculty at the Pardee School. Learn more about Ambassador Garčević on his faculty profile.