In a region perennially poised on the edge of volatility, the appointment of Alexander “Sasha” Kasanof as the next U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Balkans marks a significant moment. Kasanof’s career, decorated with accolades and marked by complex diplomatic assignments, places him at the center of a geopolitical maelstrom that is the Balkans. His past achievements, notably during the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine, stand in sharp contrast to the contentious environment he now enters.
But what kind of diplomat is Kasanof, and what does his arrival signal for the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region?
Kasanof’s track record is undeniably impressive. He has navigated some of the most challenging diplomatic terrains, earning the James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence for his work in Kyiv during the Maidan Revolution and Russia’s subsequent invasion of Ukraine. His assignments in Washington and abroad, including stints in Ireland, Turkmenistan, Chile, and Ukraine, reflect a career marked by a deep engagement with critical global issues. Fluent in multiple languages and a graduate of prestigious institutions like the National War College and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Kasanof brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role.
However, the context in which Kasanof now finds himself is fraught with complexity and suspicion. The current situation surrounding Kasanof is characterised by a high degree of complexity and scrutiny. This follows the departure of his predecessor, Gabriel Escobar, who was relieved of his duties subsequent to an investigative report by The Frontliner Magazine. These revelations raised serious questions about the impartiality of U.S. diplomatic efforts in the Balkans, a region where ethnic tensions and historical grievances simmer beneath the surface.
The backdrop to this controversy is the intricate and often volatile relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, recognised by the U.S. and other Western nations, remains a point of contention, with Serbia, backed by Russia, refusing to acknowledge its sovereignty. Escobar’s perceived biases, along with financial associations with Serbian entities, raised concerns about his diplomatic impartiality, ultimately resulting in his dismissal.
No surprise that Vucic got a free ride from the Biden administration. Time to appoint uncorrupted envoys who actually understand the Balkans and can deal with Russia and its proxies in Belgrade and Banja Luka. https://t.co/4SP5nIHM8a
— Janusz Bugajski (@JBugajskiUSA) May 5, 2024
Although there have been reports that the State Department (may have) denied these allegations, FRONTLINER has not seen any evidence to support this claim despite multiple attempts to communicate with the State Department. However, this scandal not only tarnished Escobar’s reputation but also called into question the broader U.S. diplomatic mission in the Balkans.
In this delicate environment, Kasanof’s appointment raises several critical questions. Given his distinguished career and commendable work in Ukraine, one might hope that he brings a renewed sense of integrity and impartiality to his role. Yet, there are concerns about whether he will be able to navigate the complex and often murky waters of Balkan politics without succumbing to the same pitfalls that plagued his predecessor.
One cannot ignore the broader geopolitical dynamics at play. Since 2022, the United States’ foreign policy has appeared increasingly aligned with Serbia’s Kremlin-backed interests. This alignment became particularly evident after Serbia signed a treaty of foreign policy alignment with Moscow, further entrenching its relationship with Russia. Despite Serbia’s aggressive actions, including a Russian-styled annexation attempt in northern Kosovo, the U.S. has largely failed to hold Serbia accountable, opting instead to enable and appease President Aleksandar Vucic.
The U.S.’s stance has been especially troubling for Kosovo, a fledgling democracy striving to break free from the shadows of its turbulent past. The election of leaders like Albin Kurti and Vjosa Osmani, who are seen as incorruptible and committed to genuine reform, has posed a significant challenge to U.S. foreign policy manoeuvres in the region. In 2019, the U.S. diplomat Richard Grenell played a key role in ousting Kurti’s government, a move that many viewed as an attempt to install a more compliant administration. Similarly, Escobar’s tenure was marked by threats of destabilizing Kosovo’s democratically elected government if it did not acquiesce to Serbia’s demands.
📆 Tomorrow | 🕑 2:00 p.m. ET
— Atlantic Council Europe Center (@ACEurope) May 16, 2024
"We should have insisted more on the implementation of the ASM because we noticed the lack of the good will on the both parties," reflects DAS Escobar in #BalkansDebrief with @ilvatare on his last day of his term. pic.twitter.com/GQ3A8nSSEn
The insistence on creating the Association of Serb Municipalities (ASM) within Kosovo, a move that many fear would cement Serbian influence and create a Republika Srpska-like entity, has been a sticking point. Despite Escobar’s dismissal, his passive-aggressive language and threats indicated a continued push for the ASM, supported by James O’Brien and other U.S. officials. This relentless pressure raises legitimate concerns about the true intentions behind U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region.
Against this backdrop, Kasanof’s mission becomes even more critical. Is he coming to the Balkans to enforce a policy that undermines Kosovo’s sovereignty and democratic progress? Or is there a possibility that he might take a different approach, one that genuinely supports the region’s stability and democratic aspirations?
Given Kasanof’s commendable work during the Maidan Revolution, one might hope that he brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to upholding democratic values.
However, The Hill’s Report‘s revelations about communications involving the Podesta Group, known for pro-Russia lobbying, raise questions about impartiality within the broader context of U.S. diplomatic and intelligence operations.
While Alexander Kasanof, a U.S. State Department official, handled Konstantin Kilimnik as a valuable intelligence source, the complexity of these relationships underscores the need for scrutinising all connections to ensure independence and objectivity, especially in sensitive regions like the Balkans.
Furthermore, Kasanof’s estimated net worth, reportedly between $349K and $810K, according to a 2022 annual net worth report, adds another layer of intrigue. While not necessarily indicative of wrongdoing, the lack of transparency from the State Department regarding his financial disclosures raises questions about potential conflicts of interest.
As Kasanof steps into his new role, the stakes are incredibly high. The Balkans, with their complex political and ethnic landscapes, require a diplomat who can navigate these intricacies with integrity and impartiality. The region’s fragile peace and stability depend on a balanced and fair approach, free from the undue influence of external powers.
The question remains: will Kasanof be the diplomat who restores trust in U.S. foreign policy in the Balkans, or will he perpetuate the same patterns of enabling and appeasing Kremlin-aligned Serbia at the expense of Kosovo’s sovereignty? His past achievements suggest a capacity for decisive and principled action, but the current geopolitical context demands vigilance and a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability.
In a region where the smallest spark of misinformation can have disproportionate consequences, the need for clear, truthful, and open communication is paramount. Kasanof’s actions in the coming months will be closely scrutinised, not just by the people of the Balkans but by the international community at large. His ability to navigate this complex terrain with integrity and impartiality will determine whether the U.S. can regain its role as a credible and fair mediator in the region.
Ultimately, Kasanof’s appointment is a test of U.S. diplomacy’s commitment to its foundational principles. The Balkans deserve a diplomat who will genuinely support their journey towards peace and stability, free from the shadows of external manipulation and bias. Whether Kasanof can rise to this challenge remains to be seen, but the stakes could not be higher for the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Vudi Xhymshiti, founder and chief editor of The Frontliner Magazine, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on global armed conflicts and political issues. With a background in Documentary Photography and Photojournalism from the University of the Arts London, and studies in Political Science, International Relations, and Diplomacy, Vudi skilfully merges human rights insights with dedicated journalism. His ethical and thoughtful reporting has graced top publications like The Guardian and The New York Times. At The Frontliner, launched in 2023, he explores the profound effects of conflicts on law, human rights, and freedoms, continuing his commitment to impactful storytelling.
