Theorizing Euro-Atlantic Socialization: Inferences for a Stable Balkan Order

Abstract

The article attempts to provide a theoretical framework of international socialisation that helps initiate a security community-pattern of relationship in the Balkans, in its process of Euro-Atlantic accession. It focuses on the interaction between "ideas" and "institutions", and their import for the international socialisation of the Balkans. However, it delineates to what extent the ideational aspect of neoliberal-constructivism can be applied in regional policy-making; and to what extent the process of Southeast European socialisation within Euro-Atlantic structures can be used as an instrument for attaining regional stability. For this purpose, the investigation defines the concept of order for the Balkans. The suggestion is that Euro-Atlantic organisations are equipped to address the Balkan sources of conflict and encourage inter-state cooperation. The prospect and conditionality of membership provides them with significant influence in the region, which in turn facilitates regional cooperation and thus, the emergence of a nascent security community.