US PRESENCE IN THE WESTERN BALKANS AFTER JOE BIDEN’S VICTORY
Jakub Lachert
T
he United States’ presence in the Western Balkans began when the war in former Yugoslavia had ended. The American administration developed the Dayton Agreement, regulating the post-war order in the region. In recent years, the main reason for the US interest in this area has been its integration into NATO, which included Montenegro, North Macedonia and Croatia, the last not being considered a Western Balkan state after its accession to the European Union. The US presence in the region also serves a military purpose. Approximately 7,000 American soldiers are stationed in Camp Bondsteel, the main American base in Kosovo, which is under the supervision of the Kosovo Force (KFOR). This facility is used by allied forces,
including Polish troops under the KFOR mission until 20141. After the November US presidential election, one should present the potential changes to the Western Balkans policy under the administration of the President-elect Joe Biden in comparison to the accomplishments of the outgoing President Donald Trump. The new US administration is likely to put an emphasis on greater collaboration with the European Union (EU) on the Western Balkans. During Donald Trump’s presidency, American diplomacy was focused on conducting independent https://www.army-technology.com/, accessed November 18, 2020. 1
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