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Democracy Journeys: Kosovo – America’s Home Away From Home with Elizabeth Bleuer
Wednesday, October 22
1:00 – 2:00 pm
on Zoom
The United States has spent the most per capita on the people of Kosovo than in any other foreign country – an investment that has resulted in a 20-year democratic state where minority rights and democratic rule are core to its survival. However, with the pulling back of U.S. diplomatic and foreign aid support, what will happen to one of the world’s youngest nations? Will it continue its democratic path and remain a stable U.S. ally in the Balkans? This is a story of U.S. foreign influence – its successes and pitfalls – and the role the U.S. still needs to play going forward.
Elizabeth Bleuer is team leader in Democracy Journeys and recently the Deputy Director of Program Management for Democracy International’s MENA, Africa, and LAC programs. She has more than 10 years of program management experience in the fields of democracy, human rights, governance, and humanitarian aid. Prior to joining DI, Ms. Bleuer worked for another DRG implementer covering the Horn and East Africa where she engaged in new business capture and program management. From 2015 to 2020, Elizabeth worked for the International Rescue Committee on governance, protection, and health programs in Libya and Tanzania. Earlier in her career, she conducted social capital research in Northern Uganda and supported youth peacebuilding programming in Nairobi, Kenya.
Elizabeth’s work has taken her to more than 15 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean. Having lived in Kenya, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Switzerland, Elizabeth brings curiosity, cross-cultural fluency, and a deep respect for local context to her work and her journeys. Ms. Bleuer received her MA in International Development from the Elliott School of International Affairs in 2016.