Kordalov: Regardless of who wins, America will not change its policy toward the Balkans

Bojan Kordalov, a communications expert from Skopje, says that the US presidential election has rightfully been a major topic for the Western Balkan countries. However, he notes that even though the campaign may resemble those seen in the region, it is essential to remember that US policy is based on continuity and that America's goals and interests will not change easily, regardless of whether Kamala Harris or Donald Trump wins.

"Everyone interested in politics followed the campaign, both in the region and beyond. Naturally, it is the top topic, the number one issue in politics and in people’s expectations about the future direction of the world. Many countries have openly shown, or their citizens have shown, which candidate they support, but I think it is very important to remember that American policy has its continuity and established practices. No matter the divisions and differences, and however much this campaign may resemble Balkan campaigns, in the end, the US has shown many times that it has a plan, a strategy, and the ability to properly establish and lead joint foreign policies and the interests that the US has agreed upon as a consensus," Kordalov said for Kosovo Online.

He also believes that the expectations of the Balkan diasporas do not differ much from the attitudes within their home countries.

"Expectations are shaped by preferences on the domestic political scene and on the broader scale, whether left or right, centrist, conservative, or some other ideology. However, I think that any smart diaspora, in terms of representation, will lobby for both sides regardless of who wins, because the relationship of Macedonian, Serbian, Albanian, or any other community in the United States must remain committed to working with all administrations if they want to improve their status there, especially when it comes to prioritizing the Balkans and our countries on the US president's agenda," Kordalov said.

He emphasizes that for the first time, people living in the US have clearly understood the need to cooperate with whichever administration is elected, which is why they have refrained from openly supporting only one candidate.

"What we are seeing now, which differs from before, is that the diaspora is working with all administrations, showing a bit of sympathy for one side or the other, but generally maintaining a trend. When the referee blows the final whistle, we must understand that we are all engaged in statesmanship; we all have our roles. This means that everyone should work for a better life for citizens, and, of course, for their communities and their home countries," Kordalov concludes.