Cultural Identity and Regional Security in the Western Balkans.

摘要

The research problem of this thesis is to find the critical relation or connection between the cultural identity and regional security in the Western Balkans. 'Is cultural identity critically important for regional security in the Western Balkans' is the central research question of this thesis. The thesis uses a qualitative descriptive research approach, and the main method is case study of the Western Balkans. This thesis utilizes the analytical frameworks of securitization, regional security complex and security sectors to interpret its findings. Findings of this research showed that cultural identity did not influence crucible historical events in the region, and that rather it was the opposite--the crucible historical events changed the cultural map of the Western Balkans. Findings also point out that the current process of security reforms did not advance. In conclusion this thesis disregards the common assumption of ancient hatreds and clashes of civilizations and puts the blame for recent conflicts in the Western Balkans on political elites that manipulated the population and the international community that favored right of self-determination instead of territorial integrity. This thesis offers recommendations for action that will foster regional security based upon the new regional identity.