The Path to Democracy: A Critical Evaluation of the Impact of Region on the Democratic Process in the Western Balkans

Abstract

Purpose: The present research is placed within the strand of studies on the quality of democracy and state-building in the Western Balkans (WB). We aim to explore the impact that both variables have on each other and on fostering democratic values in the specific given region. Methods: The method implied for the present work is desk research based on cohort studies or the path of Democratic evolution of the region. Data results, scored by MAXQDA software for desk and cohort-comparative research, comparing the World Government Index (WGI), the Bertelsmann Stiftung Index (BTI), and Freedom House reports for trends and predictions for the WB in a 30-year continuum and democratic transition, from 1992-2022. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed a linear distribution of both variables in all the 6WB countries (M=1.33; Mtot=36.33; SD=22.017) meaning the same probability of partial democratic scores in all the Region’s countries. Pearson correlation data revealed that there is a relation between the two variables (rw=.642; p<0.05). Regressive analysis revealed a good variability and Rsquare=.612 indicating that both variables encountered of a total of 95% of the total variance and stability. Linear regression also revealed a good influence between the 6WB region and their democratic status, confirming our primary assumption (R=.642; Sig2. p=0.63<0.05). Conclusions: One of the detrimental addresses of the present work is related to the conceptions of “Democracy”, “Geolocalisation”, “Rule of Law” and “Political Stability” and their impact on the policy effectiveness of the WB. In the end, the authors recommend a broad technical review of the Region’s Democratic Values and evolution achievements in the light of adherence to the European Union Value market.