Sarajevo – ESI at conference on NATO and democratic resilience in the Western Balkans
16 April 2026
Adnan opens the conference. Photo: ESI
Adnan Ćerimagić, ESI senior analyst, took part in the conference “NATO and Democratic Resilience in the Western Balkans”, held on 16 and 17 April 2026 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The event brought together policymakers, diplomats, academics, and security experts to discuss geopolitical challenges, hybrid threats, and democratic resilience in Southeast Europe.
Adnan contributed to the opening session in a keynote-style interview led by prof. dr. Sead Turčalo, where he addressed the evolving geopolitical environment, including the NATO–Russia divide, the impact of global crises, and their implications for the Western Balkans. He presented ESI’s analysis of the region’s strategic position and the challenges facing democratic institutions in an increasingly contested international landscape.
The conference featured a series of panels on hybrid threats, authoritarian influence, disinformation, and state capture, with contributions from representatives of NATO, academia, and civil society. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional resilience, countering malign external influence, and enhancing cooperation between regional actors and international partners.
ESI continues to engage in debates on security, democracy, and European integration, highlighting the importance of resilient institutions and credible Euro-Atlantic perspectives for the stability of the Western Balkans.
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