Russia’s influence in the Western Balkans: Long shadow, short lever

19 May 2026

In his new working paper for the CISS Munich Series, Bojan Laganin discusses the extent and limitations of Russian influence in Southeastern Europe. The paper argues that Moscow’s influence is based on symbolic politics and societal resonance rather than strategic control. Local elites play the Russian card vis-à-vis the West, driven by domestic calculations rather than Moscow’s direction.

The article can be downloaded here.

More information on the Working Paper Series of CISS Munich can be found here.