Why Serbia Chooses to Align with Russia Despite Western Proximity
Why does Serbia align itself with Russia rather than its neighboring countries, including traditional allies of the West? This alignment is often seen through the lens of political and historical narratives, but the truth is more complex.
The Myths and Realities
It is common to hear claims that Serbia has aligned itself with Russia, but the reality is not that simple. Firstly, Serbia is not officially an ally of Russia, either on a formal or unofficial level. The notion that Serbia will join the BRICS or any other formal alliance with Russia is a dream held by those who are unaware of the geopolitical landscape in the Balkans.
Secondly, the current Serbian government depicts itself as being almost unequivocally on the Russian side. Among the Serbian people, there is a perception of strong pro-Russian sentiment. However, the strength and authenticity of this feeling are questionable, and there are no credible surveys to back it up. The regime in Serbia is leveraging this pro-Russian sentiment to promote an anti-Western narrative.
Media and Perception
The Serbian media landscape is heavily skewed in favor of the pro-government stance, making it difficult to hear alternative opinions. Pro-Russian supporters are vocal and have significant support through state-controlled media. There are very few alternative voices, and those that do exist reach a limited audience.
The Serbian Orthodox Church, which is economically dependent on the Russian Orthodox Church, further reinforces this narrative. From the outside, it appears as if Serbia is a small extension of Russia. However, this perception is grossly inaccurate.
Geopolitical Facts vs. Media Perception
Most Serbian people are not pro-Russian and do not harbor the same affection for Russia that some portray. The war with NATO in 1999 left a deep sense of frustration and resentment in Serbia. The current government capitalizes on this sentiment by portraying Russia as the only force capable of challenging NATO and seeking retribution for the perceived wrongs.
Despite this rhetoric, many Serbs still prefer to move abroad. In recent years, around 40,000 to 60,000 people have emigrated from Serbia, choosing countries like Germany or the USA, which are typically considered Western arsenemies. Very few Serbian citizens choose to move to Russia.
Moreover, while one might expect a plethora of Russian products and businesses in Serbia due to this supposed pro-Russian sentiment, the reality is different. Outside of niche areas, it is difficult to find Russian-origin products or businesses in Serbia. The willingness to invest in and support Russian entities is not as widespread as it might appear based on surface-level observations.
Conclusion
While Serbia has a strong anti-Western narrative at home, it would be unfair to conclude that Serbia's alignment with Russia is genuine. The government is using this sentiment to push a specific narrative, but the actual sentiment of the population and their actions speak volumes. Serbia is still a country with deep ties to Europe and the West, and its citizens, particularly the younger generation, have strong socio-economic ties to Western countries. The alignment with Russia is more a political strategy than an organic alignment of interests.