Croatia – the “ Gateway ” to Southeast Europe

As a democratic and economically developed country, with interests that do not differ from those of Western democracies, the Republic of Croatia may well represent a decisive factor in future efforts to stabilize Southeast Europe. Croatia plays a very important role in the regional geopolitical configuration and can potentially influence the future development of neighboring countries and other regions, especially by continuing to make noticeable headway in its recently reinvigorated democratic transition and by further advancing the development of good-neighborly relations. Therefore, its role in the greater area is also very important. Croatia’s future geopolitical initiatives, aimed towards stabilization and security of the region, can be perceived in regard to its significance in global and regional geopolitical structures—partaking in the fragmentation processes of Southeast Europe and its geographical, cultural, religious and historical geopolitical surroundings.