REL Analysis/ Balkans on the margins, Balkans at the center: How does the US see the region?

2025-12-14 13:57:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

REL Analysis/ Balkans on the margins, Balkans at the center: How does the US see

Once part of the US strategic vision, today Kosovo barely figures in its National Strategy. Washington's priorities have changed, and Kosovo has not capitalized on the period of calm, remaining vulnerable.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump's White House released its National Security Strategy - a document that every US administration issues to explain its foreign policy priorities.

The strategy, which bears the president's signature, emphasizes that "the days when the United States supported the entire world order like Atlas are over," that "the affairs of other countries are a concern of the United States only if their activities directly threaten American interests," and that "the United States will reaffirm and implement the Monroe Doctrine to restore American primacy in the Western Hemisphere."

The 33-page document also calls for “cultivating resistance” in Europe, warning that the continent is undermining democracy, blocking peace in Ukraine and facing “the extinction of civilization” due to high migration and falling birth rates. It also blames European officials for obstructing U.S. efforts to stop the war in Ukraine and accuses governments of ignoring a “vast European majority” that wants peace.

Kosovo is mentioned only in the “principles” chapter, as one of President Trump’s successes in achieving peace between it and Serbia. Europeans greeted this strategy with concern - “the foundations of partnership require mutual respect, especially in moments of political divergence,” said the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

In the assessment of Olivia Eno, of the Hudson Institute, the strategy openly acknowledges that America cannot deal with everything, leaves out some regions and problems, and clearly lists priorities, starting with the Western Hemisphere, then Asia, Europe, and finally the Middle East. This choice, she says, is controversial for those who want a more consistent foreign policy, but it is intentional.

"I read it as a ranking of priorities. Others may disagree, but to me the message is clear: this is our hemisphere, so this is of the utmost importance to us. We are going to make sure our border is secure. That is the top priority," Enos says.

However, according to him, the confusion is visible even in the capital of world decision-making itself - in Washington.

Congress there is pushing forward with the National Defense Authorization Act, which contradicts the National Strategy. It aims to strengthen US military engagement in Europe and increase attention to Russia's cooperation with China and North Korea.

The law guarantees 76,000 US troops in Europe, stops major equipment withdrawals and continues support for the Baltic states to contain Russia.

The section on the Western Balkans states, among other things, that "it is in the common interest of the United States and the countries of this region that they have sustainable economic growth and development."/rel