Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.37458/nstf.26.2.4
Replaying Old Tunes A Case Study of Serbian Identity Politics Unfolding in the Triangle between Banja Luka, Mitrovica, and Belgrade. A Pathway to Russian Foreign Influence by Exploiting Local Drivers and Triggers
Dorthe Bach Nyemann
; Royal Danish Defence College, Denmark
Sažetak
Local dynamics are crucial for uncovering Russian influence operations and understanding how Russia operates. In Serbia, pairing memory politics with state capture strategies proves to be a powerful tool for both local elites and Russian activities. Memory politics enables Serbian elites and nationalists to exploit historical grievances, garnering support and legitimizing their narratives, which often hinders democratic progress and social cohesion in both Serbia and its neighbouring countries. State capture facilitates this by enabling media, judiciary, and security institutions to propagate the regime’s ideological agenda. This troubling dynamic extends beyond the ruling party, as large parts of the Serbian opposition also embrace nationalist narratives, thereby limiting democratic pluralism and prolonging the influence of nationalism, even in the event of potential regime changes. Serbia uses its ethnic minorities in Bosnia and Kosovo as proxies to stall statebuilding and exacerbate divisions, perpetuating identity-based conflicts that impede institutional stability in the region. The vulnerabilities of the Serbian nation across its borders create opportunities for exploitation by Russia, especially in the context of recent events in the Balkans and the Ukraine War. Moreover, Serbia's situation highlights similar risks in divided countries like Georgia, Moldova, and Montenegro. To effectively counter Russian foreign policy, it is crucial to understand the local causes, drivers, and potential triggers of instability.
Ključne riječi
memory politics; state capture; Russian influence; and local drivers and triggers
Hrčak ID:
343302
URI
Datum izdavanja:
22.10.2025.
Posjeta: 278 *