How has globalization encouraged brain drain in the Balkans?

Global trade, easy transportation, inexpensive communication and advancing technology along with the rise of English as the universal language have all contributed to making the world a global village within the past century. Among other things, this means that people and countries can exchange services, goods and ideas in a quick and less complicated manner. As a result, economic growth and mutual understanding rose dramatically that paved the way for many people to escape poverty. However, where there is light, there is also shadow. Although globalization is mainly seen as a beneficial process and a major player in the development of the current state of the world, there are many negative consequences that emerged from it, for both, the environment and some groups of people.

Although the exact borders of the region are not specifically defined, many geographers argue that the Balkan region is bordered by the four surrounding seas – the Aegean Sea in the south, the Black Sea in the east and the Adriatic and Ionian Sea on the west. The north border is usually thought to be defined with the flow of three rivers – Danube, Sava and Soča. Unlike the geographical definition of the Balkan peninsula, the term “the Balkans” is often used with a political connotation and it’s comprised of post-socialist countries that were mostly once part of Yugoslavia – Serbia, Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Slovenia as well as two other post-socialist countries – Bulgaria and Albania. For the sake of a more definite research paper, I am going to refer to “the Balkans” as the political region comprised of these post-socialist nations rather than the geographic region mentioned above.

THE “BRAIN-DRAIN” IN THE BALKANS Most countries have realized how important human capital is when it comes to overall development of one nation and therefore, they put huge efforts to contain their most educated citizens within the country’s borders. Data from 2015 show that 38. 8 percent of youth were unemployed in Montenegro. The figure rises to 47. 5 percent for Serbia, meaning most of the youths travel to other nation in the hope of better opportunities. In January 2015, 10,000 Kosovars immigrated to Hungary and applied for asylum (Bagatelas et al 2017). Moreover, the Balkan states do not hold educated professionals in high regard as they deem them threats to the established power hierarchy. The effects of brain drain are numerous and have a huge impact on the Balkans.

Firstly, the Balkans lose the vibrant youth population which is a vital element of the workforce of any economy. Most of the Balkan states are comprised of the less educated and elderly people, leaving them highly disadvantaged as the workforce cannot be fully utilized. Moreover, the loss of professional leads to national crises. In addition globalization led to increased sporting activities in the Balkans. Most of the prominent athletes in all sport disciplines hail from Balkan nations. A good example being Luka Modric who hails from Croatia currently playing football at one of the most prestigious clubs at Real Madrid Football Club. Novak Djokovic the former number one tennis player in the men category originated from Serbia while Ana Ivanovic, a Serb, was ranked number one in the women’s category in 2008 before her retirement.

These sporting achievements are possible due to globalization and have made the outside world be interested in the Balkans. Most of unemployment in the Balkans is attributed to corruption. Strong leadership is needed and the political will to abolish the long held tradition of nepotism that is entrenched deeply in the Balkan political system. Furthermore, strengthening of the labor unions will make it possible for the workforce to agitate for better work conditions and wages. Lastly, the international community can provide both financial and technical aid to the Balkan state. The developed nations can enter into bi lateral agreements where they offer technical and professional advice to the Balkans. Fejzi, L. I. L. A. "Evolving Diplomacy of Regional Organizations-Some Experiences in Balkans.