Influence of extremist groups in the Balkans grows
Emerging extremist organisations in the Balkans are operating alongside existing extremist groups and may try to change the political and legal framework to fit their agendas, analysts warned.
Analysts agree that the “new extremism” in the Balkans embodies religion, ethnicity and neo-Nazism, best exemplified by Greece’s Golden Dawn.
Whether new or traditional, extremist organisations are proactive in promoting their agendas, but also are reactive in seeking political opportunities, said Abit Hoxha, researcher for the Centre for Security Studies in Pristina.
“Lately, organisations representing extremist ideologies have been increasing their activities globally and in the Balkans as well. The means by which they conduct their activities have changed by the use of modern communications channels,” Hoxha told SETimes.
New Islamic movements in Kosovo such as Bashkohu, Forumi and Paqja Studentore are not a direct threat to Kosovo’s stability, but could be if they become more politically active, Hoxha said.
More: New Extremist Organisations Pose a Threat (SETimes.com)