The Role of the Muslim Minorities in Interstate Relations in the Balkans

Year 1982, Issue: 21, 95 - 132, 01.05.1982

İlhan Uzgel

https://doi.org/10.1501/Intrel_0000000166

Abstract

The Role of the Muslim Minorities in Interstate Relations in the Balkans

Abstract

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

Keywords

The Role, Muslim Minorities, Relations