February 2025.
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.
Serbia, make a choice! The 21st century begins – will you side with the winners or face a new national tragedy?
“Will the Serbs, as in the 20th century, now, as a new world is being born, voluntarily move from the camp of the winners into the dark abyss of the defeated forces and experience a new national catastrophe?” begins the article on Sputnik‘s portal with this question. Although it is clear that Serbia still lacks a clearly defined foreign policy and is known for its often criticized policy of “sitting on two chairs,” it is important to note that all official documents of the Republic of Serbia, including the National Security Strategy, have listed EU membership as one of the key goals.
Multilateralism has undoubtedly marked the 21st century, however, there is a lot of talk about America undermining these foundations, and the Sputnik article further amplifies these narratives by adding that “America is announcing the destruction of even the United Nations and looks with disgust and contempt at the very existence of the European Union.” In this context, the author criticizes Serbia, which is on the path of European integration, despite its official foreign policy course of joining the European community.
Pro-Russian media often link Serbia’s path to the European Union with the recognition of Kosovo. It is important to emphasize that Serbia’s accession to the European Union does not imply the recognition of Kosovo and that this narrative is often misused by pro-Russian media to create a negative media image of the European Union and the European integration process in general.
The author of the Sputnik portal, in this text, not only critiques Serbia’s foreign policy course but also addresses the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly with regard to the issue of the Republic of Srpska. In his words, separatist tendencies are clearly outlined: “Is it time for Belgrade to openly begin the final defense of what is ours? The Republic of Srpska, which can either be respected and equal within Bosnia and Herzegovina based on the Dayton Agreement, or, if not, protected and joined to the Republic of Serbia?” Such proposals represent a serious challenge to the stability of the region, as they call for a violation of the Dayton Peace Agreement, which serves as the foundational framework for the functioning of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The author also touches upon the activities of USAID, claiming that the organization “gave billions of dollars to media and NGOs to totalitarianly and criminally spread ‘democracy’ and ‘new values’ across the world.” This statement implies a critique of foreign influence in the internal affairs of countries, but the author overlooks the fact that USAID, in addition to funding NGOs, also significantly invested in state projects, supporting institutions, the rule of law, and economic development in Serbia. This aid was aimed at strengthening democratic structures and contributing to the country’s development. Furthermore, the author’s claim of “criminally spreading democracy” remains unclear, as democracy is a universal value that is part of contemporary political systems. According to all official documents, the Republic of Serbia itself defines itself as a democratic state.
“The new historical moment finds us in internal divisions, police wars, blockades, and the actions of the people on all sides. Amidst noise and rage. On the brink of civil war,” says the author, using falsehoods and hyperbole. It is evident that the text is written with the aim of spreading fear among the citizens, describing the state of the country in such a way that Serbia will supposedly fall apart unless it immediately decides to align with Russia, which is absurd on many levels.
International relations are very complex and cannot be simplified in the way this text presents them. It seems that in Serbia, it has become a widely accepted belief that foreign factors are responsible for all the misfortunes that have befallen the country, while internal politics are left aside. However, the truth is that no one will save the Republic of Serbia unless necessary internal and structural changes are made, and unless the institutions begin to do their job effectively. This is what students have been fighting for for months, and this is not a civil war, but rather a struggle for the effective functioning of the state system.
Author: Nataša Stanojević
