I’m Mirela Imširović, a Professor of International Relations, passionate about global cooperation, communication, sustainability, migration, peace, and political science. My academic journey spans Bosnia and Herzegovina, China, and Austria, with a Ph.D. in International Relations focusing on China’s collaboration with Southeast European countries. With experience in teaching, research, project management, and editorial work, I have contributed to institutions such as the Council of Europe, Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, United World College, and Proactive Health Technologies. My work explores international relations, migration studies, and media influence on global policy.
Latest posts
April 23, 2025The evolving economic presence of global and regional powers in the Western Balkans continues to shape the region’s development trajectories and political orientations. These critical dynamics were explored in depth at the conference “Economic Positions of Global and Regional Actors in the Western Balkans,” held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in May 2024.
The conference served as an important platform for analyzing how different international actors—ranging from the EU and China to Russia, Türkiye, and the U.S.—engage economically with countries of the region. Through a series of insightful presentations and discussions, participants examined investment trends, infrastructure initiatives, trade relations, and the political implications of economic cooperation.
Within this context, I had the opportunity to present my research addressing how economic instruments are employed not only for development, but also as tools of influence and strategic positioning in Southeast Europe. The presentation underscored the importance of understanding economic relations as a key dimension of contemporary geopolitical competition.
This event brought together a diverse network of scholars and practitioners, sparking valuable interdisciplinary exchanges. It highlighted once again the strategic significance of the Western Balkans in broader global economic and political processes. [...]
Read more...
April 23, 2025Understanding the hidden dimensions of illicit trade in conflict-affected regions is vital for grasping broader global shifts in security, economy, and diplomacy. The conference “The Unseen and Far-Reaching Consequences of Illicit Trade in Times of War and Beyond”, held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in May 2024, offered a timely platform to explore these pressing issues.
Organized by COST Action CA2113: Globalization, Illicit Trade, Sustainability and Security under the umbrella of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST), the event brought together experts from across disciplines to examine how war, insecurity, and illicit economies intersect and evolve.
In this context, I had the opportunity to present my lecture titled: “The Influence of Wars in the Middle East on China’s Cooperation in Southeast Europe: Unraveling China’s Economic Attitudes to Trade Flows.” My presentation focused on how conflict-driven disruptions in the Middle East indirectly affect China’s strategic posture and economic engagement with Southeast Europe—especially in relation to trade logistics, energy corridors, and geopolitical alignments.
The discussions that followed were both rich and thought-provoking, highlighting the importance of viewing illicit trade not only through security or legal lenses, but also through the prism of global power competition and shifting economic interests.
I am thankful to the organizers, colleagues, and participants for the engaging exchange of ideas and collaborative spirit. Events like this demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary research in unpacking the complexities of global change, especially in times of uncertainty. [...]
Read more...
April 23, 2025Interdisciplinary dialogue and critical reflection are essential for understanding contemporary migration dynamics. This year’s IMISCOE conference, titled “The Regularity of Irregularity: Rethinking Migration Paradigms” (link), gathered researchers, scholars, and practitioners at the University of Krems in Austria, under the umbrella of Europe’s largest research network on migration, integration, and social cohesion.
It was a great privilege to present my research within this vibrant academic setting and to take part in discussions that are actively shaping the future of migration policy and research. Engaging with colleagues from across the world provided a unique opportunity to explore shared challenges, emerging trends, and new theoretical approaches to irregular migration and its regulation.
The conference once again reaffirmed the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in capturing the complexity of global mobility and societal transformation. I am grateful for the inspiring conversations and new professional connections – and I look forward to future collaborations that build on these meaningful exchanges. [...]
Read more...
