Your research and teaching have long focused on fragile states, conflict prevention and inclusive governance. China has already secured major infrastructure projects and financing across the western Balkans through the belt and road initiative, creating clear avenues for economic leverage and potential foreign interference. Serbia in particular has emerged as China's principal partner in the region, which included a free trade agreement in 2024.
In your view, how vulnerable does this leave the region to delayed or derailed Euro-Atlantic integration, and what critical gaps exist in Canada's current diplomatic and development response?