@article{article_641232, title={The Role of the Muslim Minorities in Interstate Relations in the Balkans}, journal={The Turkish Yearbook of International Relations}, pages={95–132}, year={1982}, DOI={10.1501/Intrel_0000000166}, author={Uzgel, İlhan}, keywords={The Role, Muslim Minorities, Relations}, abstract={<p>The beginning of the 1990s has vvitnessed enormous changes and <br />upheavals in the structure of Balkan politics, conıparable with that of the <br />first two decades of the 1900s. Socialist regimes collapsed, nationalism is on <br />the rise in its most fervent form, nevv states emerged, ethnic wars are <br />undervvay, new relationships are set up, and so on. Within a very short span <br />of time, there have taken place great changes, making it difficult even for <br />observers to catch up with developments. Yet, some characteristics peculiar <br />to the region are stili prevalent such as the problems conceming ethnicity and <br />minority issues, and disputes in the Aegean Sea. These questions stili play <br />an important role in determining the policies of the Balkan states. <br />It has long been a commonplace to commence an interpretation of the <br />Balkans by saying that it is a very complicated area vvhich is prone to ardent <br />nationalism and ethnic tension due to its special geographicaİ character and <br />historical background. The area is complicated, not only in terms of ethnic, <br />national, and religious diversity, but it is also politically very complex. <br />Turkey and Greece, both members of NATO and other Western organizations, <br />have problems in their bilateral relations, particularly the long-standing <br />Cyprus question and minority issues. Bulgaria vvas the closest ally of the <br />Soviet Union. Yugoslavia had been a leading member of the Non-Alignment <br />Movement. Albania vvas a self-isolated country, once the only European <br />country outside CSCE, and also the only country that declared itself to be <br />atheist.  <br /> </p>}, number={21}, publisher={Ankara University}