Serbia: geopolitics and internal tensions

Serbia is a country in the Balkans. It sits between East and West, near the borders of the EU and close to Russia’s sphere of influence. Because of this, Serbia often finds itself caught between different powers. Its politics, economy, and foreign policy are shaped by these pressures. Inside the country, there are also deep tensions.

Background

Serbia lies in south-east Europe. It is landlocked, meaning it has no access to the sea. It borders many states.

This central position makes Serbia a crossroads for trade and culture. But it also makes it a place where empires and armies have often fought for control.

After the breakup of Yugoslavia, Serbia became part of a new country. It was called the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Later, it became the main part of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. This union split in 2006.

The violent conflicts of the 90s, especially in Bosnia and Kosovo, left deep scars on the region. They also shaped Serbia’s modern identity and its relations with other countries.

Kosovo and foreign relations

One of Serbia’s big issues is Kosovo. The latter declared independence in 2008. But Serbia has never accepted this. It still considers Kosovo to be part of its territory. Many states in the West, like the U.S. and most of the EU, recognize Kosovo as a state. Russia and China both support Serbia’s claim. The issue of Kosovo sits at the heart of Serbia’s foreign policy.

Serbia is seeking to join the EU. It has made progress in trade, law reform, and regional cooperation. But the EU says that Serbia must deal with its relations with Kosovo before joining. This creates a dilemma for the government. On one hand, EU membership would bring investment and jobs. On the other hand, accepting Kosovo’s independence would anger many Serbs. In fact, many still see Kosovo as the cradle of their nation and Orthodox faith.

Russia uses this issue to keep influence in Serbia. The two states share Slavic roots and Orthodox religion. Russia supports Serbia diplomatically, mostly in the UN. It often blocks resolutions that would hurt Serbian interests. Russia also sells Serbia cheap gas and invests in its energy sector. But this friendship comes with limits. Russia is far away. Serbia’s economy depends much more on trade with the EU. Still, many Serbs see Russia as a loyal ally.

Balancing East and West

Serbia’s leaders have tried to play a balancing act between East and West. Serbia’s leader Vučić often says that Serbia wants to be part of the EU. But also, that it will not turn against Russia. This allows Serbia to receive economic aid from Europe. But at the same time, it keeps good relations with Moscow and Beijing. In fact, China has become a major investor in Serbia’s infrastructure and industry. It has built roads, bridges, and factories. This is mostly due to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

This policy gives Serbia some flexibility. But it also creates tensions. The EU wants Serbia to align with its foreign policy, especially regarding sanctions on Russia. Serbia has refused to do so. This frustrates EU leaders who question how serious Serbia really is about joining. Meanwhile, Russia encourages Serbia to resist pressures from the West. It sees Belgrade as a key foothold in the Balkans. This tug-of-war makes Serbia’s position both strategic and unstable.

Internal tensions and challenges

Inside Serbia, politics are often tense. The state is officially a democracy. But critics say that its institutions are weak and that the ruling party holds grip on the media and public life. Vučić and his party have held power for over a decade. They present themselves as the guardians of stability and national pride. Many citizens support them because of economic growth and national unity. But opposition groups accuse them of corruption, voter pressure, and media control.

There are also social divisions. Young people in cities want closer ties with the EU and more liberal values. Older people and rural areas often prefer nationalism and closer ties with Russia. This split shapes elections and debates about the future. The economy is improving. But it still faces problems like unemployment, low wages, and migration. Many skilled young people leave the state to find work abroad. This weakens Serbia’s long-term potential.

Ethnic issues and regional relations

Ethnic tensions stay a sensitive topic in Serbia and across the Balkans. The memory of the wars still shapes politics. In the north of Kosovo, ethnic Serbs refuse to accept the government. This has led to protests and clashes with police. Serbia supports these communities politically and financially. But the West urges Belgrade to calm the situation. Serbia’s relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina are shaped by its close ties to the Bosnian Serb entity. This entity is called Republika Srpska. Its leaders often talk about independence. These issues keep alive fears of instability in the region.

Decoding geopolitics isn’t a job. It’s survival.

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