Exploring Heritage Diplomacy: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) an the Western Balkans

Abstract

As the Yugoslav Wars tore the Western Balkan region, events during and after World War II did the same for the Northeast Asia region (China, Japan, and Korea). But today, through Heritage Diplomacy (HD) practice in the BRI, China promotes regional cooperation, stability, and constructive diplomatic relations. A significant part of HD is providing assistance to other countries, such as renovation/cultural heritage protection and heritage management assistance, technology transfer, capacity building, and institutional support. Thus, the Western Balkans can use the same formula as the BRI to promote and facilitate continuous cooperation, harmony, and political dialogue between states in the region. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2023.