POLITICAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STABILITY AS A PREREQUISITE FOR NORTH MACEDONIA TO ACHIEVE THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Abstract

Small states, such as North Macedonia, in contemporary and globalized international relations, face security challenges and threats that cannot be managed by traditional national defense and security infrastructure. In fact, small states in contemporary international relations face risks that require strong institutional frameworks, political stability and predictable and comprehensive strategies, instead of military doctrines, war tactics and huge military forces with heavy weapons. Pervasive corruption, institutional weakness and political instability are the leading internal security challenges for transitional and small states, such as North Macedonia. In this context, on the case study of North Macedonia, this paper will analyze peace, justice and strong institutions, as a prerequisite for internal political and social stability, as well as an important instrument in the process of realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This study will show the interconnection and conditionality between the stable political and institutional framework and the process of realization of the aforementioned global goals. Specifically, using the example of North Macedonia, the study will show that the Macedonian authorities must include individuals, community, internal and transnational security, and multidimensional factors, including the environment, global security, and non–state actors, as a focal point in establishing a new approach for effectively dealing with contemporary and emerging global, regional and local challenges, including achieving the UN SDGs.