New Books in World Affairs Vuk Vuksanovic, "Serbia’s Balancing Act: Between Russia and the West" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Mar 21, 2025
Vuk Vuksanovic, a foreign policy expert and author, delves into Serbia's complex stance between Russia and the West. He discusses how Serbia navigates its historical ties to Russia while seeking EU and US support for economic success. Vuksanovic highlights the ongoing Kosovo dilemma and recent public protests, revealing the nuanced public sentiment towards foreign powers. He also analyzes Serbia's geopolitical strategy amid global tensions, particularly the impact of the Ukraine conflict, and the balancing act faced by President Vucic in navigating his country's future.
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Fluid Serbia-Russia Relations
- Serbo-Russian relations lack deep historical continuity and fluctuate with political context.
- Serbian foreign policy balances Russia, the EU, and the US for strategic autonomy.
Serbia's Post-2008 Political Shift
- Post-2008, Serbia’s domestic political scene splintered over Kosovo and EU integration.
- Serbia seeks alternatives to EU leverage, engaging Russia, China, and others for strategic balance.
Protests Reveal EU Disillusionment
- The absence of EU flags at protests reflects societal disappointment and EU's diminished prestige.
- Serbia’s deep ties to the West make pro-EU displays less prominent despite economic reliance.
