Castle-building in the Balkans: American aspirations in Southeastern Europe since the dissolution of Yugoslavia

This article will describe and assess the recast strategic ambitions propelling American interventionism in the Balkans and the attendant prospects for success or failure of these policies, Consideration of previously unexamined evidence of American state penetration and the establishment of a Great Power sphere of influence following the collapse of Yugoslavia distinguish this article from previous work by other researchers. As a fundamental concern, by analyzing Washington's policy goals and their structural deficiencies, the paper critiques the notion that American activism in Southeastern Europe is promoting stability. An evaluation of the long-term implications of this American initiative for interstate rivalry, stability, and conflict in the Balkans will conclude the study.