Digital Threats and Democratic Futures: New and Ongoing Challenges in the EU’s Neighbourhood and Beyond

Digital Threats and Democratic Futures: New and Ongoing Challenges in the EU’s Neighbourhood and Beyond

Editors: Péter Techet & Rebecca Thorne

Issue: 2-3/2025

This issue of the journal Der Donauraum presents research conducted by participants of the Young Scholars Forum 2024 in Vienna and the 19th DRC Summer School 2024 in Sarajevo. From regional cooperation to armed conflict, the authors address a range of geopolitical issues concerning both the EU and its neighbourhood. The contributions express the voices of young researchers in and from the region.

In their introduction, the editors Péter Techet and Rebecca Thorne reflect on some of the greatest challenges facing Europe today. Two authors employ comparative analyses to review approaches to European integration: firstly, Marko Lončar compares examples of political, economic and social development in the Western Balkans and the Visegrad Group, while Martina Valentini looks into the different means used to support the Western Balkans’ accession process. With drones continuing to cause devastation in Ukraine, Marija Tomljenović addresses the legal implications of the use of autonomous weapons systems in wartime. Looking further afield, Ana Puljić examines China’s influence and the EU’s response to questions of trade, technology and security.