Aleksandar Vučić: Is Serbia looking to the West or Russia and China?
Nov 25, 2024
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Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, discusses his country's pivotal political crossroads. He examines the tension between pursuing EU membership and strengthening ties with Russia and China. The conversation dives into Serbia's national identity, the implications of historical conflicts, and the complexity of acknowledging past tragedies like Srebrenica. Vučić also highlights the challenges Serbia faces regarding economic stability while navigating a polarized global landscape. His insights offer a revealing look at Serbia's future direction.
Aleksandar Vučić's leadership demonstrates a complex balancing act between historical reconciliation and contemporary nationalism in Serbia.
The pursuit of economic development in Serbia is intricately linked to navigating relationships with both the EU and authoritarian powers like Russia and China.
Deep dives
The Complex Legacy of Nationalism in Serbia
The discussion highlights the evolving political landscape in Serbia, particularly under President Aleksandr Vucic, who has shifted from a nationalist youth to a more stabilizing political figure. His acknowledgment of historical events, such as the Srebrenica massacre, reveals a tension between reconciling the past and addressing current national identities. Vucic insists on recognizing atrocities while also pushing back against interpretations that frame the Serbian narrative solely as guilty. This complex legacy reflects the broader implications of nationalism in the Balkan region, raising alarms about the potential resurgence of nationalist sentiments.
Serbia's Diplomatic Balancing Act
Serbia's diplomatic strategy involves navigating relationships with both Western democracies and Eastern authoritarian allies, particularly Russia and China. Vucic emphasizes the importance of maintaining Serbia's sovereignty over foreign policy decisions, asserting that Serbia promotes regional peace while also leveraging its ties for economic growth. The ongoing EU membership bid, however, is complicated by the EU's recognition of Kosovo's independence, which Serbia refuses to acknowledge. This dynamic brings into question Serbia's commitment to the EU versus its historical alliances in the East.
Economic Progress as a Priority
Despite political tensions, Vucic prioritizes economic development as a cornerstone of his leadership, aiming to enhance Serbia's economic standing within the Balkans. He cites Serbia’s significant GDP and export growth as indicators of progress, highlighting projects aimed at diversifying energy sources away from reliance on Russia. The government is reportedly working on reforms and collaborations to align with EU standards, while maintaining strong ties with traditional partners. This focus on economic stability reflects a pragmatism that seeks internal development amid external pressures.
Stephen Sackur is in Belgrade for an exclusive interview with Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić. The Balkan country is at a crossroads. Does it prioritise turning westwards, doing all it can to gain EU entry, or face east, deepening an already close friendship with Russia and expanding economic ties with China?
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