WEASA Research presentation: “Mediating the Balkan conflict: the role of good neighbours” 

We are pleased to present to you a great collaboration between our alumni members Jovan Gjorgovski from North Macedonia, and Jetnor Kasmi from Albania. Jovan and Jetnor, who are from the WEASA 2022 edition, have remained in contact with one another following graduation, sharing thoughts and information, particularly about the conflicts in the Balkans. They had a bright idea to conduct research on the subject of neighbouring countries’ mediation in conflict resolution. And now their research is prepared for public dissemination!

We will be hosting an online presentation of their collaborative research findings on “Cooperation through change: Mediating the Balkan conflict – the role of good neighbours” on January 29 at 5 p.m. CET.  

This research paper explores the persistent tensions in the Balkan region, with a focal point on the ongoing conflict between Kosovo and Serbia. It aims to underscore the pressing need for the normalization of relations between these two nations, recognizing that without such normalization, sustained stability remains elusive. As Jovan and Jetnor highlight: “The unresolved tensions between Kosovo and Serbia, accentuated by the hesitancy to commit to the Franco-German proposal, accentuate the compelling need for genuine normalization, the imperative to address missing persons, and the eradication of external influences, notably from Russia, in the Balkan region”. 

We will get to learn more about how Albanian and North Macedonian societies view their roles as neighbours in the Serbia-Kosovo conflict mediation process based on the survey results. Additionally, the researchers will present the findings of in-depth interviews with public officials who are actively engaged and well-versed in the ongoing situation. We cordially encourage you to take part in the presentation by registering here: https://forms.office.com/e/H6QffwwRCy

Here are the profiles of our alumni members: 

Jovan Gjorgovski, is a lawyer by education, journalist by choice. He works as a News Editor at Kanal 5 TV for the past seven years. The main focus of Jovan’s work is the Macedonian EU integration process, as well as NATO, global geopolitical issues, and fight against disinformation. He has interviewed many foreign officials and diplomats, including NATO SG Jens Stoltenberg, DAS Gabriel Escobar, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, and former President of Slovenia Borut Pahor. Furthermore, he has reported from several NATO and EU summits and from Kyiv following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Jetnor Kasmi is a development economist working primarily on development policy and political economy. His interests include cultural conflict and security, migration and education policies, and participatory governance. He works for the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) aiming to mediate conflict through the dialogue between governments and citizens on transitional justice and forced disappearances from autocratic regimes. He is a former advisor on regional affairs at the Cabinet of the Prime minister of Albania part of the LEAD Albania Programme. 

The registered attendees will receive the Zoom link for the presentation closer to the event.