Dr Nina Markovic Khaze

This article evaluates public perceptions of the European Union (EU) in Montenegro and Serbia as the front running EU membership candidates. It uses a multidisciplinary approach, which comprises a comparative survey data analysis method, the Image Theory and a mind-mapping approach of
EU perceptions analysis to study the EU-Western Balkans relations. In
order to maximize its own security and counter the growing geopolitical influence by China and Russia in the Western Balkans, the EU would benefit from a more comprehensive study of its own representation and public perceptions in candidate states. By doing so, the EU could improve the knowledge about its soft power, which can in turn increase the effectiveness of its foreign policy programmes globally and democracy promotion in the neighbourhood.

Local observers of international affairs may have missed the Non-Aligned Movement’s 60th anniversary commemorative summit earlier this month. A Cold War relic, NAM, as it is typically known, held a two-day special meeting in Belgrade, Serbia. The guest list boasted Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, along with delegations from more than 100 countries and several regional institutions. ...Yet it was actually the summit’s chair, Azerbaijan, who seemed to pull the strings behind the scenes of this year’s meeting.

by Remy Davison, Jean Monnet Chair in Politics & Economics, Monash University and Nina Markovic, Macquarie University. Link: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/europe-s-big-bonds-and-prospect-boon-australia Published in the Lowy Interpreter, Lowy Institute, Sydney, 24 August, 2020. Hundreds of billions will be devoted to Covid-19 economic recovery, and with it comes a huge investment opportunity. Recently concluded negotiations for a new seven-year budget of the European Union, which excluded Britain for the first time in five decades, lasted more than two years and took five arduous days last month to wrap up in Brussels. But the result fundamentally changes and extends the role of the European Commission in international financial markets. This will have significant consequences for Australia – both as a free trade deal is finalised, and for strategic interests in a post-pandemic world. The EU’s executive arm has now been authorised to issue bonds (3–30 year maturities) on behalf of the 27 member states, to the value of €750 billion (A$1.2 trillion) for what is to be known as the Recovery and Resilience Fund. This forms part of the EU’s broader response to the economic fallout from Covid-19, the so-called New Generation EU, which aims to “repair and prepare” the EU economies for the political and strategic environment in the post-virus era.

TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL'S RANKING OF PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS of corruption in the public sector assigned Serbia 39 points in 2012, with 0 indicating high levels of corruption and 100 zero corruption. The same score was recorded for 2018, making Marija Zurnić's book even more relevant. The author of this research questions the logic of Serbia's externally driven transformation from state socialism to democracy by looking at corruption as an evaluative tool. This is a new method of appraising democratic transition in Southeast Europe and as such, the book will appeal to researchers and practitioners who are interested in the matters of corruption and democratic transformation on a broader level.

This link provides a summary of links and pdf documents for 40+ publications between 2007 and 2014 mainly while working for the Australian Parliamentary Library, Canberra as a Senior Researcher (Executive level 1) in the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security section.

China’s increased economic engagement with post-communist countries in the Western Balkans in the last decade has added to the complexity of democratic consolidation in the region, with possible negative impacts on the established process of European integration of these countries, foremost Serbia and Albania. This article addresses the impacts of the increased economic and to some extent political presence of China in the Western Balkan states over the past decade which has been exerted through both economic investment and trade incentives as well as a more sophisticated use of China’s soft power. The latter is exemplified in the greater number of cultural, educational and scientific exchanges between these states and China within the 16 + 1 (17 + 1 after 2018) cooperation framework and bilaterally. The article discusses China’s engagement with the Western Balkan countries on a case-by-case basis. The cases of Croatia, as an EU member, and of Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia, as official candidates for EU membership, are examined to show the impact of the relationship with China on these states’ adherence to the European integration process.

Recently concluded negotiations for a new seven-year budget of the European Union, which excluded Britain for the first time in five decades, lasted more than two years and took five arduous days last month to wrap up in Brussels. But the result fundamentally changes and extends the role of the European Commission in international financial markets. This will have significant consequences for Australia – both as a free trade deal is finalised, and for strategic interests in a post-pandemic world.

Many governments in the Western Balkans are currently dancing a
delicate political “waltz”, balancing between Brussels and Beijing. While analysts are debating whether or not Russia’s influence in this region remains strong, China managed to overcome debilitating intra-regional rivalries and offer strong economic incentives for engagement – at the displeasure of both Brussels and Washington. Evaluating China’s relationships in this geopolitical space is necessary in order to better understand how Western Balkans is currently positioned between Brussels and Beijing. COVID-19 pandemic provides an insight into this complex relationship and has a potential to increase China’s presence there.

This article critically assesses the role of pro-reform and pro-EU civil society in the process of Serbia's accession to the European Union (EU). Civil society (the so-called non-government or third sector) has played a fundamental role in the democratisation of former Communist countries, including in the Western Balkans where the majority of aspirant EU members still reside. Serbia's democratic transformation began soon after its regime-change occurred on 5 October 2000. This country's process of democratic consolidation is ongoing and is strongly supported by pro-EU civil society actors who are key drivers of Europeanisation. Civil society organisations and actors have increased general knowledge about the quality of democratic reforms in Serbia and brought in technical expertise which has assisted Serbian society to align better with the EU's acquis. Specific examples of civil society's activism in this article will demonstrate some unique characteristics of Serbia's third sector. Its evolution from an anti-war movement and loosely connected individuals and citizens' associations in the 1990s to becoming a major advocate of EU membership in Serbia and a partner to the Serbian Government on EU accession is worthy of further academic research and analysis.
https://cesaa.org.au/anzjes_issue/volume-10-no-3/

Enlargement fatigue has descended upon the European Union (EU) institutions, which remain focused on resolving the Brexit crisis and ongoing internal reforms. This multi-faceted phenomenon has directly caused the so-called accession fatigue in potential EU members, which are increasingly turning to other geopolitical alternatives. Russia and China are the new dominant powerbrokers in the EU's immediate neighbourhood, courting political and business elites in EU candidate states and offering an alternative foreign policy option which contrasts with the stalled EU enlargement process. This paper discusses the rise of these external powers in the EU's immediate neighbourhood, suggesting three scenarios for the future of the Balkan region where the EU, Russia and China are more vigorously vying for influence than ever before.

The Australian Government's attitudes towards major events in international politics such as the UK's entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in the past and Brexit negotiations today, carry greater weight than previously assumed in political science literature. Australia was critical of the EEC (now called the European Union, EU) in the early 1960s, when its then most important trading partner, the United Kingdom (UK) first applied for membership. Australia was ill-prepared to deal with the repercussions from Britain's entry into the EU, as Australian foreign policy was heavily influenced by local as well as international anti-EEC attitudes. This paper will analyse political debates in Australia during the 1960s and early 1970s with reference to parliamentary Hansard records and newspaper articles in order to suggest a new framework for Australian foreign policy analysis.
https://cesaa.org.au/anzjes_issue/volume-9-no-2/

"Drawing upon original case studies spanning North America, Europe and Australia, Muslim Citizens in the West explores how Muslims have been both the excluded and the excluders within the wider societies in which they live. The book extends debates on the inclusion and exclusion of Muslim minorities beyond ideas of marginalisation to show that, while there have undoubtedly been increased incidences of Islamophobia since September 2001, some Muslim groups have played their own part in separating themselves from the wider society. The cases examined show how these tendencies span geographical, ethnic and gender divides and can be encouraged by a combination of international and national developments prompting some groups to identify wider society as the 'other'.

Muslim and non-Muslim scholars and practitioners in political science, social work, history and law also highlight positive outcomes in terms of Muslim activism with relationship to their respective countries and suggest ways in which increasing tensions felt, perceived or assumed can be eased and greater emphasis given to the role Muslims can play in shaping their place in the wider communities where they live.

http://www.novosti.rs/vesti/planeta.70.html:338092-Mlade-i-lepe-Srpkinje-osvajaju-svet

Mlade i lepe Srpkinje osvajaju svet
Marko LOPUŠINA | 15. jul 2011. 16:38 | Komentara: 6
Nina Marković iz Kanbere, Viktorija Janaćković iz Skoplja i Tijana Arnautović iz Toronta pokazuju kako mladost, lepota i uspeh idu zajedno. One se bave diplomatijom, modom, poezijom, tajnim službama

DVE mlade Srpkinje, na dva kraja sveta, upravo pripremaju svoje doktorate, koji se tematski tiču i Srbije. Nina Marković iz Kanbere je savetnik za međunarodne odnose u australijskom parlamentu, pesnik, naučnik sa dve magistrature i autor doktorske disertacije „Srbija i Evropska Unija“. Viktorija Janaćković iz Skoplja radi u Ministarstvu kulture Makedonije. Magistrant je na FON-u i sprema doktorat na temu „Tajne službe i diplomatija“.

- Srbija je moja glavna preokupacija u životu. Rođena sam u Beogradu, ali sam došla kod oca u Pert i ostala.Nakon završetka studija engleskog i diplomatije selim se u Kamberu, gde su magistarske studije međunarodnih odnosa i diplomatije bile jako čuvene. Mnogi ovdašnji studenti koji su sa mnom završili su potom postali diplomate. Usput sam osnovala Društvo studenata na italijanskom jeziku “Italijanski poljubac” na ovom fakultetu i postala član Srpske omladine “Soya”. Pripremam doktorat na Univerzitetu Melburn u kome želim da prikažem sudbinu moje otadžbine i njene odnose sa Evropom – kaže Nina Marković, koja je upravo objavila knjigu pesama “Raskršće”.
U toj knjizi Nina u stihovima pesme “Istini u oči” govori o lažima i prevarama Zapada prema Srbiji. Ova njena knjiga otkriva tajnu da mlada dama iz Kanbere zapravo želi da bude pre veliki pisac, nego diplomata.

http://www.svedok.rs/index.asp?show=70507


romocija knjige pesama autor Nine Marković, Beograđanke koja živi i radi u Australiji
"Raskršće" i Nina u Beogradu
Piše: Ljubica Rašković
      U ponedeljak, 25. januara, u Centralnom Domu Vojske Srbije održala je promocija knjige pesama, pod nazivom “Raskršće”, mlade Nine Marković, Beograđanka koja živi i radi u Australiji.
      Pred brojnim posetiocima, uvodnu reč je dao Gordan Radomirović, izdavač Biblioteke "Iskre" i "SiGRa star" iz Beograda, a zatim je autor, Nina Marković, predstavila svoju prvu zbirku pesama.
      Pesame su napisane na srpskom, engleskom, italijanskom i nemačkom jeziku, i podeljenje su na četiri oblasti: detinjstvo, pitanja odrastanja, političke i istorijke pesme i italijanske ljubavne kancone i druge balade.
      Recenziju je uradio srpski pesnik Radomir Mićunović.
      Jedna od najvećih inspiracija Nine Marković za ovu zbirku bili su različiti periodi njenog života, pre svega odrastanje u Srbiji, potom odlazak u daleku Australiju, kod oca u Pert, usred bombardovanja tadašnje Jugoslavije...Potom život u inostranstvu i prva iskustva u tuđini.
      Povod za knjigu je i ljubav u raznim fazama i oblicima. Mitologija, priroda, politika i istorija, kao i veliko rodoljublje i patriotizam kojim odišu mnoge njene pesme.
      - Nina Marković je mlad pesnik po godinama, ali već je prilično "star" po dužini pisanja stihova, jer je stihove pisala od najranijeg detinjstva, rekla je na promociji Olga Božarić, lektor i profesor književnosti i nastavila:
      - Svoja detinja razmišljanja i snove, kao i rano sazrela osećanja je "stihom okovala" kako bi to rekla rekla njena omiljena pesnikinja Desanka Maksimović. Pisala je o svojim snovima, kanarincu Žućku, svom malom psiću, prvim simpatijama i pubertetskom buntovništvu u školi kada se kontrolni skrivaju od roditelja. Ona piše i o surovosti i užasu rata koji je zahvatio naše prostore u vreme kada je trebalo da ima tek bezbrižno detinjstvo, a videla je njegovu besmislenu suštinu.
      "Pitanja odrastanja" su venac stihova koji su prava oda njenoj osećajnosti, ali i nota koja označava krešendo u sazrevanju pesničkog izraza, koji sa tom zrelošću postaje uobličeniji, stameniji, a način pevanja prepoznatljiv.

las prožet ljubavlju
      - Srpska Australijanka koja se, pored lirizma, diči i patriotizmom, što je sve ređi slučaj među našim sunarodnicima u matičnoj sredini, a kamo li u dalekom svetu, otišla je korak dalje od prvobitne želje da lepim rečima podmiri čitalačku radoznalost i pažnju. Utolila je žeđ publike za iskrenošću u vremenima obmana i laži svetskih razmera. A da joj bi se glas, prožet ljubavlju, što dalje i bolje čuo, i razumeo, njen pesnički prvenac je progovorio na četiri jezika.
      Dama čista srca, bistra uma, visokog obrazovanja i plemenitih pobuda, pobrala je plodove svoga duha i ponudila ih čitaocima, rekao je pesnik Radomir Mićunović, jedan od recenzenata.
Kancone i balade – Nina Marković
      Istini u oči
     
      Ne mogu više da podnesem
      Sve laži, prevare i gorke reči.
      U svakoj knjizi koju otvorim
      Srbija na vratima pakla kleči.
     
      Nismo mi sveci, daleko smo od Boga.
      S’ crkvenim se učenjem kosimo.
      Greh nasilja brata na brata
      Sa sobom u grob odnosimo.
     
      Al’ nije tačno da sve što bruji
      I oliči se anti srpskom slavom
      Potiče sa izvora istine i časti.
      Kontrolisana je imperijalističkom glavom ?
     
      I zašto ne priznamo samima sebi
      Da nismo čisti niti smerni.
      Da smo puni zavisti, materijalizma i nepoštenja
      Koji nadvlađuju svaki običaj drevni.
     
      Oko za oko, zub za zub
      Ideologija je naših vladara.
      A svatovi bedni još parice kupe
      Nastavlja se muzika i pesma stara.
     
      Al’ samo oni još mogu
      Da izađu iz tog vilinjskog kruga.
      Da prepoznaju prave ideale
      I vaskrsnu ‘demos’ sa Juga.
     
      Dok ovo pišem, bude mi lakše
      Jer znam da se Srbija nikad ne predaje !
      Al’ duhovno siromaštvo nagrizaće joj dušu
      Dok se svako od nas ne pokaje.
To sam ja…
    Do svoje 15-te godine živela sam u Beogradu, prošla kroz tmurne devedesete kao što neke od mojih pesama govore ("Frajer na casu"), to su bile godine protkane nemastinom, potpunim preokretom sistema vrednosti u nasem drustvu...
      U detinjstvu sam učestvovala, često, na pesničkim takmičenjima, kao i onim recitatorskim, i osvajala nagrade. Neke od pesama kao što su "Sanjam" i "Nene" su objavljivane u Večernjim Novostima, u rubrikama dečijeg stvaralastva.
      U tom periodu, kao pripadnik crkvenog hora u crkvi Sv. Save na Vračaru, često sam putovala u Grčku koja mi je bila, i ostala, izuzetna inspiracija za moje pesme.
      Za vreme bombardovanja Jugoslavije u 1999-og godini, u aprilu sam otišla u Australiju, kako je to je sudbina htela. Tamo sam završila ostatak srednje skole, osnovne studije iz političkih nauka, italijanskog i nemačkog jezika, a potom i dve magistrature (iz međunarodnih odnosa i diplomatije).
      To me nije potpuno zadovoljilo, pa sam upisala Doktorat na temu "Spoljna politika Evropske Unije prema Republici Srbiji" i trenutno sam usred istraživanja. Pored stručnog obrazovanja, pesništvo je bio moj hobi, ali često i instrument duhovnog izrazavanja kroz koje sam predstavljala svoj dozivljaj sveta oko sebe.
      Pesme pišem od svoje 9-te godine, ali prvi period života u Australiji je postao obojen i sve više prožet dubokim osećajem rodoljublja, patriotizma ali i kritike nekih stvari u mojoj maticnoj zemlji, kao što to pesma 'Istini u Oci' najbolje pokazuje.
      Knjigu, koja je posvećena 'srpskom i australijskom narodu, mojim voljenima i svim ljudima otvorenog srca' sam sa uživanjem izdala, i želim da posluži kao inspiracija svim mladim pesnicima i pesnikinjama i ostalim umetnicima, ali i kao jedan mali dokaz da su granice duha i mogućnosti kreativnog stvaralaštva samo one koje se trebaju prevazici u našim glavama i telima.

White Australia Policy was Australia’s official immigration policy from 1901 until its gradual dismantling after the Second World War. Only persons from selective backgrounds, mostly white and European could migrate to Australia. This chapter investigates major changes to Australia’s post-war immigration policy using a historical analysis of selective case studies in immigration from former Yugoslavia and Vietnam. These two immigration waves have had a significant impact on Australian regulations, apart from adding to the diversity of Australian population. This chapter highlights the importance of maintaining research focus on the Communist and post-Communist countries as they undergo major transformation in the current era of multipolarity. Future migration trends from these states could coincide with a regime change in the former Communist space or a reversal of democracy.

Full book chapter
https://www.palgrave.com/gp/book/9789811503160

This book uses the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), as an analytical entry point to understand and illuminate post-War Europe and the drive to create an identity that can legitimise the European project in its broadest sense. The ESC presents an idealised vision of Europe, and this has long existed in a strained relationship with reality. While the trajectory of post-war European integration is a high-profile topic, we believe that the ESC offers a unique and innovative way to think about the role of culture in the history of post-War European integration and tensions between the ideal and reality of European unity. Through the series of case studies that make up the chapters in this book, analysis brings these interlinked tensions to light, exploring the roles of culture and identity, alongside and a productive conversation with the political and economic projects of post-war European integration.

This book chapter explores the subcultural and context-specific links between Eurovision and identity expression and preferences found within Australia's multicultural communities from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia, as these three examples showcase the political aspects of the Eurovision Song Contest. The original community survey's results shed light on the relationship between identity, cultural and political memory of the past and individual and group preferences relating to Eurovision.

This article is from Chapter 3 by Professor Samina Yasmeen and Dr Nina Markovic Khaze from a co-edited book entitled 'Muslim citizens in the West: spaces and agents of inclusion and exclusion'. It argues that different EU member states had adopted some specific strategies of dealing with both assimilation of and radicalisation within their diverse Muslim communities: with various degrees of success. More specifically, it looks at supranational EU-level schemes, such as the Eurocities project, which aim to increase the participation of migrant communities in European democracies. It also examines the issue of transnational Islamophobia and hate crimes, which are increasingly directed at Europe's Muslims. Illustrative case studies from France, Germany and the UK are used in discussing specific approaches to these issues in Europe.

This essay investigates changing attitudes towards multiculturalism and Australia's Muslims in a broader historical context, and in particular through the political perspectives of Fred Nile's Christian Democrats. The origins of this political party are analysed, which, alongside another minor party, held the balance of power in NSW State Parliament for several decades.

Serbian foreign policy can be described as ‘reluctant Europeanist’. Expected delays in further accessions to the European Union (EU) during the Juncker Commission have encouraged candidate states to look for alternative foreign and trade policy partners. Serbia, an EU candidate since 2012, has actively been advancing political, economic and defence relations with non-EU states, in particular Russia and China. Such a development is not positively viewed in many EU policy circles. EU members are calling on Serbia to abandon such a flexible foreign policy approach, but without offering a more attainable EU membership prospect at a closer date. Serbia’s ongoing foreign policy pragmatism might be at odds with its obligations to align its policies with common EU decisions and views, including towards China.
This paper discusses Serbia’s emerging comprehensive relationship with China. Comparisons with the Australian case will be made where appropriate, as Australia offers invaluable lessons to European countries, including Serbia, regarding engagement with China. The issue of diplomatic crises will be discussed and how Australia engages in conflict resolution with China. This paper will highlight that more imagination is needed for Serbia’s relationship with China in order for both parties to benefit by expanding the scope of their engagement. Professional exchanges, in particular in academia, science and research could assist with this goal. Serbia could examine Australia’s case in order to move away from one track to multitrack diplomacy which would bring the peoples and businesses of both countries closer together.

This paper discusses the regional context in Southeast Europe of China's New Silk Road through an example of a key regional state - the Republic of Serbia. Serbian foreign policy can be described as ‘reluctant Europeanist’. Expected delays in further accessions to the European Union (EU) during the Juncker Commission have encouraged candidate states to look for alternative foreign and trade policy partners. Serbia, an EU candidate since 2012, has actively been advancing political, economic and defence relations with non-EU states, in particular Russia and China. Such a development is not positively viewed in many EU policy circles. EU members are calling on Serbia to abandon such a flexible foreign policy approach, but without offering a more attainable EU membership prospect at a closer date. Serbia’s ongoing foreign policy pragmatism might be at odds with its obligations to align its policies with common EU decisions and views, including towards China.
This paper discusses Serbia’s emerging comprehensive relationship with China. Comparisons with the Australian case will be made where appropriate, as Australia offers invaluable lessons to European countries, including Serbia, regarding engagement with China. The issue of diplomatic crises will be discussed and how Australia engages in conflict resolution with China. This paper will highlight that more imagination is needed for Serbia’s relationship with China in order for both parties to benefit by expanding the scope of their engagement. Professional exchanges, in particular in academia, science and research could assist with this goal. Serbia could examine Australia’s case in order to move away from one track to multitrack diplomacy which would bring the peoples and businesses of both countries closer together.

ISSUE 9 | MARCH 2024

Honouring the Legacy of Leon Li 💙 
Today, we remember the bright spirit of Sydney high schooler, Leon Li, whose tragic passing reminds us of the importance of allergy awareness. In his memory, the ImGA pledges to advocate for:

🔹 Tax-deductible adrenaline auto-injectors in Australian eateries.
🔹 Insurance coverage for advanced treatment options like OIT and SLIT.
🔹 Enhanced education on food allergies for all.

ImGA at IDFA Symposium 🌐 
Proud to join forces with Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) at their Annual Symposium.

Insights from Dr. Jones' Lecture 🎓 
Key highlights from Dr. Douglas Jones' enlightening talk on allergies and the immune system.

Upcoming Events 🗓️ 
🔹 Digital Health Festival: May 7-8, 2024, Melbourne
🔹 AusMedTech: May 22-24, 2024, Adelaide

We echo the urgent call for better allergy management in schools, inspired by the Benedict Blythe Foundation's efforts in the UK:

🔸 1 in 3 UK schools lack an allergy policy.
🔸 Nearly half rely on students to carry auto-injectors.
🔸 Shockingly, 25% lack basic allergy training for staff.

Together, let's ensure every child is safe from allergies worldwide.

This is Issue 6 (December 2023) of Allergies, Immunity & Microbiome News - a digital publication dealing with transnational allergy topics and life sciences.

Explore the Latest in Allergies, Immunity & Microbiome! 🚀👩‍⚕️

Dive into the groundbreaking world of health with our December 2023 newsletter, featuring the Microbiome Diversification Protocol with Allergen (MDPA) by Dr. Douglas Jones, MD. 🌐 Discover how MDPA, tailored and personalized, revolutionizes our approach to food adverse reactions, providing a unique strategy designed for individual preferences and needs.

Immerse yourself in the wisdom of Dr Jones and Dr Nina Markovic Khaze, PhD, as they launch "The Immune Fitness Project," empowering you to boost immunity and conquer food reactions like a champ! 💪

Inside this issue, we unravel EAACI's latest guidelines on the diagnosis of IgE-mediated food allergies, acknowledging the contributions of Australian experts. 📚
Join us for insightful interviews with nutrition & gut health scientist Leticia Gagliardi Coelho and allergist/immunologist Dr. Elena Ferapontova. 🎙️

Unlock the secrets to a vibrant microbiome with Leticia's tips for a healthy daily routine, and delve into the research on needle-free adrenaline options, offering hope for those with needle phobia. 💉

Don't miss out on our featured events, including the Women in Life Sciences Luncheon and AusMedtech 2024. 📅

Visit our website for more, and stay tuned for the latest updates.

#HealthInFocus #MicrobiomeMagic #AllergyAwareness

Despite the need to address problems at home and the great China game Biden will have to make the Russia vector one of his top priorities. The 2021 Russia agenda includes several pressing matters ranging from the strategic stability dilemma, to threats to the rules-based international order, to unresolved regional conflicts.
URL: https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/russia-us-relations-2021-key-things-watch-out

During my PhD exchange to LUISS University in Italy (Rome) I was under a contract with Angloinfo blogs to write regular pieces while in Italy. My pieces explore "Rome beyond the ruins" and usual tourist traps in order to discover, explain and evaluate further afield. My blog provides social and political commentary about contemporary Italian culture which has become a blend of multiculturalism, universality (as the heart of the Catholic world) and a perpetual crossroads of civilizations that Rome has always represented. Enjoy the reading!

Aussie Travel Talk reflects its creators’ hidden passion of travel writing. As a journalist with a dozen of travel articles appearing world-wide in print and online editions, a multilingual poet with two published volumes and political scientist with specific interest in past and present trends in world politics, Nina’s contribution to this blog aims to open new grounds in thinking about travel. From short and factual pieces to deeper and reflective observations, articles presented here should stimulate your thinking and arise awareness about the wider context of travel.

Transparency International's ranking of public perceptions of corruption in the public sector assigned Serbia 39 points in 2012, with 0 indicating high levels of corruption and 100 zero corruption. The same score was recorded for 2018, making Marija Zurnić's book even more relevant. The author of this research questions the logic of Serbia's externally driven transformation from state socialism to democracy by looking at corruption as an evaluative tool. This is a new method of appraising democratic transition in Southeast Europe and as such, the book will appeal to researchers and practitioners who are interested in the matters of corruption and democratic transformation on a broader level.