NATO reinforcements started arriving in Kosovo this week, following violent clashes in majority-Serb north Kosovo in late May. Outbreaks of violence erupted following disputed local elections, which Kosovo Serbs boycotted, allowing ethnic Albanians to take control of councils in northern Kosovo. The unrest comes after an apparent breakthrough in March when Kosovo and Serbia agreed to an EU-backed plan aimed at normalising ties. On the Real Story this week we’ll ask whether the latest crisis endangers those negotiations, and what needs to happen to defuse tensions in both the short and long-term. How do people living and working in North Kosovo deal with the complex issues of ethnic identity that have shaped the region for decades? What is the role of outside players like the United States and European Union? And how has Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed the West’s approach to the Balkans?Shaun Ley is joined by:Misha Glenny, Rector of the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna and a former BBC Central Europe Correspondent. Dr Gezim Visoka, Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies in the School of Law and Government at Dublin City UniversityDr Helena Ivanov, visiting fellow in the international relations department at the LSE and an Associate Research Fellow with The Henry Jackson Society, a London-based think tank that advocates the spread of liberal democracy.Also featuring: Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo Nemanja Starović, State Secretary, Serbia’s Ministry of Defence Jovana Radosavljevic, Executive Director at the New Social Initiative, a civil society organization based in North Mitrovica Guy Delauney, the BBC’s Balkans CorrespondentImage: Members of the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR) stand guard in Zvecan, Kosovo, May 31, 2023. REUTERS/Ognen TeofilovskiProduced by Imogen Wallace and Rozita Riazati

Hannah Lucinda Smith, an expert on Turkish politics, Christopher de Bellaigue, a historian of the Ottoman Empire, and journalist Misha Glenny delve into Turkey’s rich yet complicated history. They explore how the Ottoman legacy shapes modern Turkish identity and perceptions. The conversation shifts to Istanbul’s cultural diversity, the challenges of minority communities, and a witty misadventure in the city. They also discuss Suleiman the Magnificent’s historical impact, including the pivotal Battle of Mohács, and its influence on contemporary nationalist sentiments.

Misha Glenny, a historian renowned for his expertise on the Ottoman Empire, discusses the intricate history of Turkey. He delves into Istanbul’s pivotal role as a cultural bridge, the strategic genius of Mehmet II during the conquest of Constantinople, and the empire's rich multicultural legacy. Glenny highlights the complex dynamics of Turkish society today, balancing anger and hospitality amidst modernization. He also examines the lasting influence of Ottoman heritage on contemporary Turkish identity and the ongoing tension between secularism and traditional reverence.

Russian spies targeting covid-19 research, discussed by Misha Glenny and Baroness Neville-Jones. Liz Kendall shares Leicester's lockdown impact. Rick Witter provides a guide to York for potential government relocation.

Journalist and broadcaster Misha Glenny discusses the Netherlands' history, from the Dutch Golden Age to World War Two. Topics include Dutch influence on British institutions, imperialism, and modern relations, as well as the country's transformation into a global superpower and its historical rivalry with Britain.