October 2024.
As part of the program Regional Initiative for combating disinformation “Western Balkans Combatting disinformation Center: Exposing malicious influences through fact-checking and Analytical Journalism“, we present you a new analysis of fake news and disinformation narratives.
Exclusively, Jason Hinkle for Srbin info: The West would like to destroy Russia in the same way it destroyed Serbia
In domestic and pro-Russian media, Russia and Serbia are often mentioned in a common context regarding their relationship with the West. They emphasize the traditional and historical ties between Serbia and its fraternal Russia, in contrast to the West, which tends to destoy them. For Srbin.info, American blogger Jason Hinkle made a statement asserting that “the West is trying to apply against Russia the same methods it used to destroy the Serbian economy and break Serbian resistance, primarily economic sanctions.” Hinkle added that the difference is that Serbia “also suffered a blow from American bombs.”
Hinkle openly expresses his pro-Russian stance, claiming that Russia has been strategically preparing for a total attack from the West for decades. In his comments, he states that President Vladimir Putin timely recognized key geopolitical trends and began building new economic ties, primarily with China, BRICS, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, it is difficult to accept Hinkle’s assumption that these relations are primarily aimed at defense against the West.
The division into blocs and strategic orientation towards the East, especially China, have existed since the Cold War, when political and economic alliances between these powers were formalized. Therefore, Hinkle’s analysis can be seen as superficial and unfounded. Russia has been developing cooperation with its eastern partners, including China, long before the current tensions with the West. These relations are not only a response to contemporary challenges; they are rooted in long-standing historical, cultural, and ideological ties that formed independently of current geopolitical conflicts.
Hinkle also commented on “the censorship that reigns throughout the American public space today.” He pointed to the FBI’s search of Scott Ritter’s home, an analyst who openly supports the Russian perspective on the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that America does not provide media space for pro-Russian analysts. However, it is important to note that while Ritter is recognized as an analyst, he is primarily known for spreading misinformation about the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, complicating his position in public discourse. Furthermore, Ritter is a convicted sex offender who spent almost three years in prison, making it difficult to argue that he is the best example to support Hinkle’s claim of censorship.
Hinkle then reflected on his own situation. The New York Times published an article claiming that “raids against Russian voices will continue,” as reported by Srbin.info. Hinkle noted that the article included his photo, with the aim to suggest that they would come for him next. He further stated that the West’s strategy aims to silence pro-Russian voices. However, it can be concluded that Hinkle may be exaggerating, considering the significant number of pro-Russian portals and analysts in the West who engage in spreading disinformation and propagating Russian influence.
In addition to commenting on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, Hinkle gained recognition in Serbia when he sent a provocative message to President Aleksandar Vučić on social media: “Stop being a NATO pawn; just be a man.” This statement reflects his disapproval with Serbia’s cooperation with NATO, questioning how the president can align with that organization.
It seems that pro-Russian analysts are increasingly focusing on Serbia and its cooperation with the West, commenting on these topics through social media and official appearances. However, these statements often revert to the conflicts of the 1990s and the resurfacing of old issues. In a similarly provocative tone, Hinkle stated, “Kosovo is Serbia,” aiming to heighten tensions in the already polarized Serbian public.
While it is undeniable that Russia and Serbia share traditional and religious ties, Serbia clearly defined its strategic orientation towards the West at the beginning of the 21st century. It should also be noted that in 2007 Russia decided to change its previous foreign policy course and confront the West. In light of constant geopolitical changes and the increasingly rapid dynamics of international relations, the actualization of war topics and sanctions from the 1990s has become outdated and less relevant.
Author: Nataša Stanojević
