The evolving threat of Islamist terrorism.
Seven unnamed individuals were convicted in Kosovo on January 19 on charges of terrorism. Six were found guilty of joining a terrorist organisation after travelling to Syria to fight alongside Islamic State (IS); the seventh was convicted of recruiting fighters inside Kosovo. Not only does the case shine a light on the growing terrorist threat in the Balkans, which has gained new life with the rise of IS, it also provides an ominous backdrop to a potential rise in interethnic violence linked to frustrated nationalism in the region.
Governments may implement more onerous security measures, especially at airports and international borders.
A major terrorist incident could potentially cause damage to an economic sector such as tourism.
An intensified terrorist threat could inflame nationalism and contribute to the fragmentation of states along ethnic lines.
