New Hopes for South Eastern Europe

Explores the origins & character of post-Cold War government cooperation in Southeastern Europe via discussion of Robert Keohane & Joseph Nye's (eg, 1989) views on cooperation, discord, harmony, & interdependence. Following an overview of these ideas, cooperative efforts in the region are traced from antiquity to the Cold War. Attention turns to detailing the crisis years following the 1991 breakup of Yugoslavia, addressing the impact of pro-Western orientations, economic factors, & the issue of ethnic minorities on cooperation & interdependence. The intricate collection of bilateral & multilateral agreements constructed in the post-Cold War era are viewed as positive developments in light of the region's recent tumultuous history & in spite of the fact that the measures are poorly funded, lack depth, & have yet to tackle core problems. In the post-Milosevic era, prospects for democratization & increased cooperation among the former Yugoslavia hinge on the resolution of minority self-rule & regional autonomy, with European Union & NATO engagement important factors in compelling the states of Southeastern Europe to cooperate. J. Zendejas