The course examines the EU involvement in the Western Balkans and the Union’s efforts (usually in partnership with the United States) to promote stability, democracy, and economic development in the region. In addition, it discusses the increased footprint in the region of other external powers (notably, Russia, China, Turkey and the Gulf countries). In particular, it analyses the aims, the instruments, and the policies of these external non-Western geopolitical actors and it questions the compatibility of their policies with the EU/US reform agenda for the region. Therefore, the course reflects upon the impact of the unfolding geopolitical competition between the EU and the United States, on the one hand, and external non-Western powers, on the other, on the advancement of conflict resolution and peacebuilding, democratic consolidation and sustainable development in the Western Balkans.