Shoring up the Balkans: NATO infrastructure and a warning for democracy Recent shifts in US foreign policy are placing the Western Balkans in a difficult position. With the White House embroiled in conflict in the Caribbean, the rumbling storm clouds of the Western Balkans feel ever closer, with increasing attacks from Russia and successful far-right groups. Sanctions removed on October 29th have emboldened the secessionist politician Milorad Dodik and his associates, leaving the Western Balkans at the mercy of troubling powers in the region. The forced removal of a foreign government by the United States is a blot on its status as a world leader. If the Balkans were to be left out of European security infrastructure, it would only serve to exacerbate the current tug-of-war between Washington and the Kremlin.