Copyright © IFAC Supplementary Ways for Improving International Stability, Vienna, Austria, 1995 CREATING CONDITIONS OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS Dimitris Bourantonis and Panayotis Tsakonas Athens University of Economics and Business & Institute of International Relations Abstract: In this paper an attempt is made to prove that if a new security paradigm based on the notion of Non-Offensive Defence could be established in the Balkans, conditions of stability will be created in the region . A discussion of the substance and main features of the Non-Offensive Defence concept follows. Measures that might facilitate the transition from an offensive to a defensive orientation in military structures are also discussed. The study concludes by recommending for consideration by the Balkan states undertakings that might help to create conditions in which this security paradigm prevails. Keywords : Control, Co-operation, Force, Reduction, Regions, Stability, Technology, Verification 1. INTRODUCTION The cessation of the East-West confrontation and the collapse of the Eastern bloc followed by the dissolution of the Warsaw pact have had catalytic effects on the Balkan sub-system. As a result of these changes a "security vacuum" has been created in the Balkan peninsula. In this paper there is no space to do more than offer suggestions which may, it is hoped, make argument over means by which this vacuum can be filled and ways for enhancing stability in the Balkan region. It should be made clear, however, that the stability model that is proposed in this piece of work presupposes the cessation of the current conflict in former Yugoslavia and the resolution of the territorial disputes in this area in a way agreed by all states concerned. In recent years, regional approaches to security have been gaining ground steadily both at the conceptual and practical levels. There is a natural tendency toward regional approaches to security based on the homogeneity of interests, values and traditions within small group of neighbouring states. Regional stability, it can be argued, is entwined with military and strategic choices which are region specific and therefore are addressed best within the regions 107 concerned. For the regional states, perceived threats to their security and the need for military preparedness are primarily connected with conditions obtaining in their own regions. Local threats to the peace and security are more promptly dealt with by the states of a specific region than by the involvement of a larger group of states, including regional and extra-regional ones. That is the basic claim for the superiority of regionalism over universalism. It represents new thinking about security and stability. In fact, this thinking prompted the Secretary-General of the United Nations to call states to become accustomed to utilizing regional avenues to solve disputes, security problems and armed conflicts (Ghali, 1992). 2. THE SECURITY DILEMMA OF THE BALKAN STATES Individual states in the Balkan . legion maintain differing threat and security perceptions and link the standards of their own national security with the state of the national security of other states in the region. This lead them into a trap. The trap is that one state's increased military capability, not purely offensive in intent, are considered by the other state(s) in the Copyright © IFAC Supplementary Ways for Improving International Stability, Vienna, Austria, 1995 CREATING CONDITIONS OF STABILITY IN THE BALKANS Dimitris Bourantonis and Panayotis Tsakonas Athens University of Economics and Business & Institute of International Relations Abstract: In this paper an attempt is made to prove that if a new security paradigm based on the notion of Non-Offensive Defence could be established in the Balkans, conditions of stability will be created in the region . A discussion of the substance and main features of the Non-Offensive Defence concept follows. Measures that might facilitate the transition from an offensive to a defensive orientation in military structures are also discussed. The study concludes by recommending for consideration by the Balkan states undertakings that might help to create conditions in which this security paradigm prevails. Keywords : Control, Co-operation, Force, Reduction, Regions, Stability, Technology, Verification 1. INTRODUCTION The cessation of the East-West confrontation and the collapse of the Eastern bloc followed by the dissolution of the Warsaw pact have had catalytic effects on the Balkan sub-system. As a result of these changes a "security vacuum" has been created in the Balkan peninsula. In this paper there is no space to do more than offer suggestions which may, it is hoped, make argument over means by which this vacuum can be filled and ways for enhancing stability in the Balkan region. It should be made clear, however, that the stability model that is proposed in this piece of work presupposes the cessation of the current conflict in former Yugoslavia and the resolution of the territorial disputes in this area in a way agreed by all states concerned. In recent years, regional approaches to security have been gaining ground steadily both at the conceptual and practical levels. There is a natural tendency toward regional approaches to security based on the homogeneity of interests, values and traditions within small group of neighbouring states. Regional stability, it can be argued, is entwined with military and strategic choices which are region specific and therefore are addressed best within the regions 107 concerned. For the regional states, perceived threats to their security and the need for military preparedness are primarily connected with conditions obtaining in their own regions. Local threats to the peace and security are more promptly dealt with by the states of a specific region than by the involvement of a larger group of states, including regional and extra-regional ones. That is the basic claim for the superiority of regionalism over universalism. It represents new thinking about security and stability. In fact, this thinking prompted the Secretary-General of the United Nations to call states to become accustomed to utilizing regional avenues to solve disputes, security problems and armed conflicts (Ghali, 1992). 2. THE SECURITY DILEMMA OF THE BALKAN STATES Individual states in the Balkan . legion maintain differing threat and security perceptions and link the standards of their own national security with the state of the national security of other states in the region. This lead them into a trap. The trap is that one state's increased military capability, not purely offensive in intent, are considered by the other state(s) in the