Institute of Geography
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Item type:Publication, The Arts and Politics: The state of Yugoslav society through the lyrics of Azra and Zabranjeno Pušenje(Macedonian Geographical Society, 2025)Kitevski, GoranThis paper critically examines the socio-political landscape of Yugoslav society through the lyrical narratives of two influential musical bands: Azra from Zagreb and Zabranjeno Pušenje from Sarajevo. Amidst rising Yugo-nostalgia and the idealization of the former Yugoslav state, the works of these rock bands provide an alternative perspective on the complexities and challenges of Yugoslav society. By conducting a thematic analysis of their lyrics, this research elucidates the cultural and political sentiments of the era, demonstrating how popular art functioned as a medium for incisive social commentary. The study underscores the importance of Azra and Zabranjeno Pušenje in articulating dissent and shaping public discourse, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of Yugoslav identity. This examination reveals the enduring impact of their artistic expressions on contemporary interpretations of the Yugoslav socio-political context. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Beyond Political: Tourism (re)shaping the image of the Balkans(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2024-12)Kitevski, Goran; Mijalova, KaterinaThis paper explores the evolution of the Balkans' historically negative image, rooted in political instability, conflict, and cultural narratives, into one that is increasingly shaped by tourism. Long perceived as a region of division and insecurity, the Balkans are undergoing a transformation fueled by the growing recognition of their cultural, historical, and natural assets. International tourism has been instrumental in altering external perceptions by promoting the region’s distinct attractions and fostering a departure from a collective "Balkan" identity towards the development of unique national tourism brands. These efforts reflect a strategic reimagining of the region, positioning it as an appealing destination within global tourism networks. By analyzing the interplay between historical stigma and contemporary branding strategies, this study highlights tourism's role as a catalyst for reshaping the Balkans' image, contributing to its economic growth and global integration. This shift illustrates how tourism can redefine regional identities and challenge outdated stereotypes, presenting the Balkans as a diverse and welcoming destination. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Ohrid between identities: Image, experience and tourist perception(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2025-06)Kitevski, Goran; Milenkovski, Ace; Gjorgievski, MijalceThis paper investigates the relationship between destination image and tourist perception of Ohrid (N. Macedonia). While Ohrid projects an image as a place of natural, cultural and spiritual heritage, affirmed by its UNESCO World Heritage status and significance—tourist perceptions vary significantly across domestic and foreign visitor groups. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, social media analysis and data mining, to see how tourists actually experience the city. Findings reveal a strong appreciation among foreign tourists for Ohrid’s nature and culture, in contrast to domestic tourists who often associate the destination only as a basic tourism weekend and/or seasonal getaway destination. A growing difference is observed between Ohrid’s promoted identity and its actual tourism practices, mainly during the peak summer season characterized by mass tourism, overcrowding, and large-scale commercial events. These contradictions highlight the need for a more coherent and sustainable tourism strategy that bridges the gap between image, perception, and actual experience. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, North Macedonia in the Western Balkans: Between regional and European integration(UTMS Journal of Economics, 2025-12)Kitevski, Goran; Mijalova, KaterinaThe main subject of the study is the position of North Macedonia within the European Union (EU) enlargement framework and the geopolitical configuration of the Western Balkans, conceptualised not as a geographic entity but as a political category defined by non-membership. Although designated a candidate state in 2005 and formally approved for accession negotiations in 2020, North Macedonia remains the most protracted accession case in the region. The Western Balkans, initially incorporated into the EU enlargement agenda through the Stabilisation and Association Process, remain institutionally framed as a transitional space expected to converge with the Union. While the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit affirmed the region’s membership perspective, post-Thessaloniki developments were marked by procedural revision, enlargement fatigue, and (geo)political recalibration. Comparative analysis of the Commission’s 2025 reports confirm that North Macedonia is not substantially lagging in acquis alignment relative to Albania and other WB6 countries, but remains constrained by unresolved identity-based conditions - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The French Proposal and North Macedonia’s European perspective: a political geography(Geographical Society in Bosnia and Herzegovina & Department of geography, University of Sarajevo, 2025-11)Kitevski, GoranThis paper examines the so-called French Proposal, a diplomatic framework specifically designed to overcome Bulgaria’s veto and facilitate the continuation of North Macedonia’s accession process to the European Union. The proposal’s most contested element is the requirement to amend North Macedonia’s Constitution to explicitly include Bulgarians as a constituent people —an obligation that serves as a gateway for opening a broader negotiation process. This requirement is embedded within a broader framework that incorporates the 2017 Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighbourliness, and Cooperation, thereby elevating a long standing bilateral dispute to the level of a formal EU accession criterion. By integrating identity-related and historical disputes into the negotiation process, the proposal effectively Europeanizes a bilateral issue. This study argues that the constitutional amendment represents only one aspect of a deeper and enduring challenge: the identity-based dispute with Bulgaria, now institutionalized within the EU framework, will remain a decisive factor influencing both the pace and prospects of North Macedonia’s European integration.