Aleksandar „Saša“ Kasanof is the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Balkans in the United States, replacing Gabriel Escobar, whose term expired in May. Commenting on Escobar’s successor, Nikola Lunić from the Council for Strategic Politics tells Euronews Serbia that Kasanof has rich diplomatic experience, and his appointment in this position signifies that Washington and Brussels still expect a much greater dynamic in the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as de-escalation of political tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Lunić emphasizes that Serbian interests should be aligned with the foreign policy interests of the United States, regardless of specific names in foreign policy. He points out that the policy of Washington, especially regarding Kosovo’s independence, may differ from Serbia’s, and transparency is essential in any potential policy changes towards the region. He stresses the importance of maintaining good relationships with the United States, regardless of the upcoming administration after the November elections.

The change in American policy towards the region is uncertain, but Lunić underscores the need for transparency to ensure the security situation in the region. With the attention of the United States on Serbia’s relations with Russia, individuals appointed to positions related to the Balkans are carefully chosen.

Kasanof, a career diplomat with diverse international experience, has taken on various roles in Washington, focusing on global politics and programs, international drug and law enforcement, Eastern European affairs, and Caucasus and regional conflict issues. His educational background includes the National War College, the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins, and Hamilton College, and he is proficient in French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

His official biography states that Kasanof serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Western Balkans, press and public diplomacy in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs. He previously worked as the Executive Assistant to former Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland and the Acting Assistant Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass.

Kasanof’s past roles in Ireland, Turkmenistan, Chile, and Ukraine have shaped his expertise in international affairs. Acknowledged for his work during the Maidan Revolution and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he received the James Clement Dunn Award for Excellence.

In conclusion, the appointment of Aleksandar Kasanof as the new Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Western Balkans reflects the ongoing importance of the region in American foreign policy. With his extensive diplomatic experience and varied background, Kasanof is poised to contribute to the continued engagement and stability in the Western Balkans under the guidance of the United States.