15. Serbia (Post-2000)
After the fall of Slobodan Milošević in 2000, Serbia began to reintegrate into the international community. The European Union lifted economic sanctions in October 2000, signaling a shift toward normalization (theguardian.com). Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009 and received candidate status in March 2012. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the status of Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008 and is recognized by many countries but not by Serbia. The path from international isolation to reengagement mirrors transitions seen in other nations, such as post-apartheid South Africa.
