The majority of Serbian society, and that includes the people in both Serbia and Republika Srpska, continues with the war crimes denial, because it is a basis for the Serbian authoritarian, parochial grievance politics. This isn't just state policy, as espoused in the actions and inactions of the governments in Belgrade and Banja Luka, but a sentiment shared by most people across the political spectrum, both in the ruling parties and the majority of opposition movements. Yes, by the students in Serbia, as well.
Category: Serbia
Marta Kos is still right about Serbia
European Commissioner Marta Kos emphasized that EU enlargement requires strong civil society, which Serbia lacks. Public opinion shows support for leaders like Hungary's Orbán and Russia's Putin, while many Serbians view the EU as imposing unacceptable conditions. This raises questions about Serbia's commitment to EU membership amid conflicting loyalties.
EU is right for ignoring Serbian protests
The EU faces challenges in supporting democracy in Serbia due to a lack of pro-democracy advocates within the country. An open letter from Commissioner Marta Kos emphasizes the need for inclusive dialogue and societal ownership in the EU accession process. Serbian society's blame towards the EU highlights deep-rooted nationalism and political conflict.
Lithium of discord
The Serbian protests against the lithium mining project proposed by Rio Tinto were not motivated by environmentalism but instead were aimed against the Serbian ruling kleptocratic coalition with an outpouring of anti-Western hysteria. Protesting against a non-existent, "neo-colonial" mining project is fashionable and safe over here. But it's an exercise in futility to try to damage President Vucic's standing by using his own rhetoric and methods.
Russo-Serbian oil conundrum
The latest exemption from US Treasury Department sanctions aimed at the Russo-Serbian oil company NIS AD has been extended until June 27th 2025.
The square circle logic of Serbian protests
Recent protests in Serbia, notably the general strike, aim to challenge the autocratic regime of President Vucic. However, the protests often lack effective impact as many businesses remain operational. Official demands focus on transparency and university funding, but protesters avoid directly calling for regime change due to socio-political taboos. The discontent reflects a deeper sense of national identity and responsibility.
Why the West should keep ignoring the Serbian protests
German political scientist Alexander Rotert fantasizes about Berlin's imaginary support for Serbia's authoritarian government under Vucic, arguing it prioritizes a lithium project over democratic concerns.
Vucic isn’t Assad
A good portion, if not the majority of the Serbian electorate never had a problem with the war crimes committed by the political parties that comprised the government of Slobodan Milošević. In fact, those same crimes are considered as proof of the patriotic virtues espoused by the current Serbian administration, led by Milošević's former minister of information, Aleksandar Vučić.
No, Serbia is not ditching Russian weaponry
Serbia is reportedly shifting its military procurement from Russia to China, driven by sanctions and Western pressure. General Milan Mojsilovic noted delays in Russian contracts, leading to increased use of Chinese weaponry, such as the FK-3 air defense system. Despite claims of neutrality, Serbia remains close with BRICS amid skepticism about its military transparency.
Serbian non-revolution
National Youth Council of Serbia, in its 2024 Alternative report on the position and needs of young people in the Republic of Serbia, finds that 57 percent of young people (aged 15 to 30 years old) in Serbia feel that we need a strong leader. The Serbian student protesters are not the democratic role models you are looking for.
Serbianism 