Pavleski, Aleksandar and Rajkovchevski, Rade (2025) Security Perceptions in North Macedonia: Implications for Regional Cooperation in South East Europe. In: Security Perceptions and Their Impact on Regional Cooperation in South East Europe. Proceedings from the 48th Workshop of the PfP Consortium Study Group “Regional Stability in South-East Europe” . National Defence Academy, Vienna, Austria, pp. 63-79. ISBN 978-3-903548-19-0
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Abstract
North Macedonia occupies a strategic position in the heart of the Balkans, bridging Southeast and Central Europe. Its security perceptions are deeply shaped by its multiethnic composition promoting tolerance and instability at the same time, historical disputes and its Euro-Atlantic integration’s pathway. Understanding how North Macedonia perceives its neighbors and strategic partners is critical for analyzing the impact of these perceptions on its security policies and regional cooperation efforts.
The country’s relationships with neighboring states have been a major determinant of its foreign policy. The lack of maturity and assertiveness in Macedonian diplomacy, combined with historical grievances, has contributed to North Macedonia’s prolonged wait at the door of the European Union.
Although it achieved NATO membership in 2020, this success came only after a painful process of balancing national interests with external demands (where United States of America played the key role), most notably through the Prespa Agreement (signed on 17 June 2018) with Greece, which involved a constitutional name change. Further challenges emerged with Bulgaria, where disputes over language, identity, and history delayed EU accession negotiations despite the signing of a so-called Friendship Treaty (on 1 August 2017). These developments have left a significant mark on North Macedonia’s internal political landscape and public perceptions of regional cooperation, particularly regarding the costs and benefits of compromise in securing international integration.
| Item Type: | Book Section |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | Scientific Fields (Frascati) > Social Sciences > Political science |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Security |
| Depositing User: | Prof. Dr. Rade Rajkovchevski |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Oct 2026 09:32 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Oct 2026 09:32 |
| URI: | https://eprints.uklo.edu.mk/id/eprint/11948 |
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