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Talk Eastern EuropeAuthor: Talk Eastern Europe
Talk Eastern Europe is your weekly deep dive into the heart of Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Adam Reichardt, Alexandra Karppi, and Nina Panikova, this podcast brings you expert analysis, thought-provoking commentary, and engaging interviews on the region's most pressing issues.From the ongoing war in Ukraine to the rise of populism and the challenges of European integration, we explore the complexities of the region and the forces shaping its future. Join us as we delve into the latest news and trends, uncovering the stories that matter most to Central and Eastern Europe.Support the podcast. Join our patreon page: https://bit.ly/3nMGeYj Language: en-us Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Is the West Abandoning the Balkans? | Kurt Bassuener
Tuesday, 13 October, 2026
In this episode of Talk Eastern Europe, Alexandra Karppi speaks with Kurt Bassuener, co-founder of the Democratization Policy Council (DPC), about the changing geopolitical landscape in the Western Balkans and the growing challenges facing democratic movements across the region.Starting with Bosnia and Herzegovina's elections, the conversation explores the Trump administration's increasingly transactional approach to the Balkans, the influence of political and business interests on US foreign policy, and the EU's reluctance to move beyond its established enlargement framework.They also discuss Serbia's student-led movement, the prospects for democratic change, and why European leaders may be overlooking the region's most important democratic forces. Timestamps00:00 – Introduction: Kurt Bassuener joins Talk Eastern Europe02:00 – Bosnia's elections and the limits of political change03:45 – Is Washington changing its approach to the Balkans?06:55 – Why the concept of "the West" no longer works10:00 – US foreign policy and democratic principles14:05 – Can Europe still defend democracy in the region?21:22 – Serbia's student movement and the prospects for change 25:03 – What would a democratic transition in Serbia require? 31:41 – Why the Western Balkans matter for Europe's future32:02 – Final reflections: An "angry optimist"Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europe magazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneuropeSubscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates, expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribeFOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/
