Based on a mixed-method methodology cross-cutting the political/economical divide, our latest brief shows that while China wants to increase its economic and political influence in the region, there is a significant difference between the story we hear and the facts we see. Despite China’s efforts to leverage vulnerabilities in the region, its political influence seems to be still relatively low. Economic influence by itself cannot match Western economic ties either. Political engagement with China is shaped mostly by domestic factors and geopolitical considerations, particularly those related to security.
By Oana Popescu
November 2012
Dilema Veche
One’s first contact with Kosovo is bewildering. A swarm of people and cars in perpetual motion on roads that are of two kinds: those inherited from Tito, that are better than the ones in today’s Romania, and those under construction – once again by Bechtel – but at a pace that makes you think they intend to finalize all highways by the end of the year!
Read more at http://dilemaveche.ro/sectiune/societate/articol/kosovo-febril
Oana Popescu interviewed by Stela Giurgeanu for Dilema Veche
April 2010
The value of the individual model matters, but genuine values are promoted seldom, and the loneliness of the long distance runner can be discouraging even to the strong ones.