Role of international organizations in the security of the Western Balkans

This paper analyzes the role and impact of International Organizations (IOs) on security, stability, and the wellbeing of citizens in the Western Balkan countries. It focuses on how organizations such as the European Union (EU), and NATOcontribute to regional security through institutional mechanisms, norm diffusion, and socio-economic support. The study employs a qualitative-dominant mixed-methods approach based on a comparative case study design. The analysis is guided by a theoretical framework combining social constructivism, which views IOs as social phenomena shaping norms, and institutionalism, which conceptualizes IOs as mechanisms for regional security and stability. The research examines selected International Organizations (EU, NATO) and their engagement with the Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Primary data consist of official reports and policy documents from the EU, and NATO, supplemented by secondary sources including academic literature, think-tank analyses, and official statistical indicators on security, investment, and democratic performance. Qualitative content analysis and comparative analysis were applied to identify key themes related to stabilization, democratization, military cooperation, and economic support, while secondary quantitative indicators were used to assess trends in citizen safety and wellbeing.