Beyond Negative Peace: The Limits of NATO’s Role in Fostering Sustainable Peace in the Western Balkans

Abstract

Aim: This research aims to examine the association between the Balkan Peace Index (BPI), Galtung's theoretical framework of positive peace, and sustainability dimensions in order to critically asses the effectiveness and long-term viability of NATO's peacebuilding initiatives in the Western Balkans region. Method: The study applies a mixed-methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative analytical approaches. The methodological framework encompasses the examination of environmental sustainability indicators, democratic governance structures, and regional cooperation patterns. It is supported by qualitative data analysis from sources such as NATO policy documents, EU Enlargement Reports, and analyzing news related to the topic. Results: The empirical findings demonstrate that NATO has achieved considerable success in establishing negative peace throughout the Western Balkans via systematic conflict resolution mechanisms. However, the study reveals significant limitations regarding the establishment of sustainable and positive peace results. The research identifies substantial inadequacies within NATO's traditional security architecture when confronting contemporary multifaceted challenges, including climate related security threats, persistent economic disparities, and deteriorating social cohesion across the region. Conclusion: The study reveals that NATO needs to review its operational approach in order to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in the Western Balkans. In this context, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive and region-specific strategies that systematically integrate security requirements with development goals and environmental considerations, operating specifically within Galtung's positive peace theoretical framework.

Keywords

• NATO
• Sustainable Peace
• Western Balkans
• EU
• Sustainability
• Peacebuilding

Negatif Barışın Ötesinde: Batı Balkanlar'da Sürdürülebilir Barışı Teşvik Etmede NATO'nun Rolünün Sınırları

Abstract

Amaç: Bu araştırma, Balkan Barış Endeksi (BPI), Galtung'un pozitif barış kuramsal çerçevesi ve sürdürülebilirlik boyutları arasındaki ilişkiyi inceleyerek NATO'nun Batı Balkanlar bölgesindeki barış inşa girişimlerinin etkinliğini ve uzun vadeli sürdürülebilirliğini eleştirel bir perspektifle değerlendirmeyi amaçlamaktadır. Yöntem: Araştırma, nicel ve nitel analitik yaklaşımları içeren karma yöntem araştırma tasarımını kullanmaktadır. Metodolojik çerçeve, çevresel sürdürülebilirlik göstergelerinin, demokratik yönetişim yapılarının ve bölgesel işbirliği örüntülerinin incelenmesini kapsamaktadır. Bu, NATO politika belgeleri, AB Genişleme Raporları ve ilgili haber ve raporların analizleri gibi kaynaklardan elde edilen nitel veri analizleriyle desteklenmektedir. Bulgular: Ampirik bulgular, NATO'nun sistematik çatışma çözüm mekanizmaları aracılığıyla Batı Balkanlar genelinde negatif barışın tesisinde kayda değer başarı elde ettiğini göstermektedir. Ancak çalışma, sürdürülebilir ve pozitif barış sonuçlarının elde edilmesi konusunda önemli sınırlılıklar ortaya koymaktadır. Araştırma, iklimle ilgili güvenlik tehditleri, kalıcı ekonomik eşitsizlikler ve bölge genelinde kötüleşen sosyal uyum dahil olmak üzere çağdaş çok boyutlu zorluklarla karşılaştığında NATO'nun geleneksel güvenlik mimarisinde önemli yetersizlikler ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuç: Çalışma, NATO'nun Batı Balkanlar'da kalıcı ve sürdürülebilir barışa ulaşmak için operasyonel yaklaşımını gözden geçirmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Bu çerçevede, Galtung'un pozitif barış kuramsal perspektifi içinde faaliyet göstererek güvenlik gereksinimlerini kalkınma hedefleri ve çevresel değerlendirmelerle sistematik olarak bütünleştiren kapsamlı ve bölgeye özgü stratejilerin benimsenmesi kritik önem taşımaktadır.

Keywords

• NATO
• Sürdürülebilir Barış
• Batı Balkanlar
• AB
• Sürdürülebilirlik
• Barış İnşası

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