Just Security Op-Ed
A modern-day gold rush is on in the Western Balkans. But how these six countries — and key European and U.S. partners — handle the opportunities available will determine whether such investment will support desperately needed political and economic reforms or further reward and consolidate illiberal regimes. The latter outcome will prevail if three basic questions are not asked and satisfactorily answered: Do citizens have the right of informed consent for exploitation in their community? Is there a functioning legislative and oversight mechanism to ensure enforcement of European standards across the board? And where is the money going?