What is the editorial team thinking about this month?
Das Thema des Monats November ist das Leben ausländischer Frauen in Deutschland. Wir sprechen über unsere Herausforderungen und über die Chancen, die wir alle nutzen können.
read articleby George Alatsidis, Junior Political Analyst (M.A. Comparative Politics, University of Bucharest)
Image: ShutterstockAs the lights turn to Serbia’s political center stage, the 17th December elections are set to mark another chapter in the country’s history, especially as a result of a tumultuous year in terms of political fervour and societal engagement. The following essay provides an insight into the upcoming Serbian elections, and the political and societal environment in 2023, especially after the two mass shootings which shook the entire country, which seem to have provoked the Balkan nation in its search for reforms and justice. Pointing to the 14th iteration of multiparty elections since 1990, this essay analyzes the cyclical tendency and driving factors of Serbian early or snap elections, providing a specific focus on the phenomenon of stabilitocracy. Mass protests, stronger opposition, and new political alliances seem to represent a bigger challenge to the current leadership, but can they set the stage for changes in the political spectrum?
As the upcoming general elections in Serbia takes center in the political stage, approximately 6.5 million voters are poised to make their voices heard on the 17th of December, marking yet another chapter in the nation’s electoral history. These early elections, a recurrent theme in contemporary Serbia, come at a time of heightened political fervor and societal engagement. Beyond the sheer act of casting votes, the forthcoming elections (local and parliamentary ones) bear the weight of a nation navigating its political crossroads, where unity, dissent, and the concept of stabilitocracy intertwine.
The forthcoming parliamentary elections mark the 14th iteration since the introduction of multiparty elections in 1990. Remarkably, out of these fourteen elections, only four parliaments have served a full mandate, whilst in the last decade alone, Serbia experienced a remarkable frequency of snap parliamentary elections. The years 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2022 witnessed the Serbians heading to the polls, each time in the form of early or snap elections. The upcoming 2023 elections (the third within almost four years) continue this trend, adding another layer to the complex tapestry of Serbia’s democratic journey. This recurrent pattern prompts reflection on the driving forces behind these frequent electoral exercises, extending beyond the conventional narrative of democratic necessity.
The current political landscape
The mass shootings of May 2023 that left 19 people dead (mainly children and young people), initiated a series of massive protests all over Serbia and served as catalysts for increased political activism, with citizens taking to the streets to voice their concerns. While the protests have continued, a core of opposition to the general policies conducted by the government and President Vučić seemed to have formed.
Indeed, an alliance was born out of the “Serbia Against Violence” protests, making it the largest opposition coalition in terms of the number of parties since 2012. The signatories of this groundbreaking agreement, mainly pro-EU political formations, include five parliamentary parties: the Democratic Party (DS), Green-Left Front (ZLF), Together (Zajedno), the People’s Movement of Serbia (NPS), and the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP). Beyond these, the Free Citizens’ Movement (PSG), Ecological Uprising (EU), and the extra-parliamentary Serbia Centre (SRCE) party have also joined the coalition.
The protests that led to the formation of this alliance became a turning point, not only in expressing public dissatisfaction, but in reshaping the political landscape. The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which had long held a dominant position, has meanwhile experienced a dent in its popularity. This decline follows months of opposition protests, and simultaneously an effort by the latter to unite their demands.
In this environment, the call for early elections by President Vučić has been perceived as a step in cementing his authority, as well as to stop the opposition from becoming a united front that could challenge the status quo of his regime. Moreover, the call came under a period of external pressure upon the ongoing talks between Serbia and Kosovo, requiring them to settle on a modus vivendi and modus operandi with each other.
Amid such political and social polarization, the decision taken by Vučić downplays another concept; that of stabilitocracy.
Stabilitocracy: Stability in political seas?
Governments often portray themselves as guardians of stability, standing as bulwarks against perceived internal and external threats. This narrative, while aiming to fortify the image of the political leader and the government around him, sometimes raises questions about the legitimacy of the threats posed. In Serbia’s political narrative, the notion of external threats and the government’s role in securing stability have been pronounced themes. However, scrutinizing these assertions is crucial, as it prompts a reflection on whether the perceived threats are genuine concerns or strategic tools to consolidate power.
Stabilitocracy, when unchecked, can potentially lead to non-democratic rule and democratic backsliding. The narrative of ensuring stability can inadvertently become a means through which a regime prolongs its position, justifying measures that might erode democratic principles.
In the specific case of Serbia, one of the notable aspects is the apparent stagnation in the domain of rule of law (judicial reforms, basic rights and freedoms, as well as independence of the media) in the process of EU accession. The prolonged stay in the accession process has led to concerns among experts who accuse the current Serbian government of undermining democratic institutions. This juxtaposition raises critical questions about the interplay between stabilitocracy, EU aspirations, and the democratic fabric of the current regime. The link between stability narratives and EU accession becomes a crucial factor in understanding the trajectory of Serbia’s governance.
Conclusions
The 14th multiparty elections that take place in five days in Serbia will find the Balkan country at a juncture defined by dynamic political currents. The recurrent rhythm of early elections, the emergence of a formidable opposition alliance, and the influence of stabilitocracy paint a canvas where the hues of democracy, accountability, and stability blend in intricate patterns.
The simultaneous occurrence of local elections in key cities amplifies the significance of 17th December, as citizens not only determine the trajectory of national governance but also shape the leadership in their local municipalities. The unity forged in the aftermath of mass protests and tragic events underscores the resilience of Serbia’s democratic spirit, challenging political narratives and fostering a collective commitment to a more accountable and transparent future.
As the polling day approaches, the eyes of the nation and the international community will be keenly focused on Serbia, witnessing a democracy in motion, responding to the ebb and flow of societal expectations. Regardless of the results, the very act of democratic participation reaffirms the enduring strength of democracy, a force resilient in the face of change, challenge, and in the pursuit of a better future in Serbia and in the Western Balkans in general.
1. Image licensed under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Das Thema des Monats November ist das Leben ausländischer Frauen in Deutschland. Wir sprechen über unsere Herausforderungen und über die Chancen, die wir alle nutzen können.
read articleIst Diella ein revolutionärer Fortschritt für Albanien – oder nur eine PR-Show in einem Land, das mit tief verwurzelten Problemen kämpft?
read articleIn diesem Bericht sollen individuelle Perspektiven auf diese Entwicklung gesammelt werden, um Vor- und Nachteile der KI-Nutzung in verschiedenen Bereichen aufzuzeigen. Ziel ist es, die Erfahrungen im Studium, im beruflichen Kontext und im privaten Alltag zu erfassen und kritisch zu reflektieren.
read articleDas Thema des Monats Oktober ist Künstliche Intelligenz und wie wir sie in unserer Arbeit und im Studium einsetzen. Doch bevor wir tiefer einsteigen, werfen wir zunächst einen Blick darauf, womit sich unser Team aktuell beschäftigt.
read articleIm griechischen Teil Thrakiens sticht die geopolitische Relevanz der Region besonders ins Auge. Bereits kurz vor den Toren unserer ersten Station Alexandroupolis passierte unser Reisebus eine große Kaserne des griechischen Militärs. Die Gründe für die hohe Militärpräsenz in der Stadt und Umgebung ergeben sich einerseits aus der Grenznähe zur Türkei und andererseits aus dem für die NATO strategisch wichtigen Hafen.
read articlePublic space in Southeast Europe reflects deeply entrenched gendered and geopolitical hierarchies, where patriarchal and nationalist narratives dominate memory and shape urban landscapes. Women, queer communities, and minorities are largely excluded from public commemoration. However, feminist artists, activists, and grassroots movements are resisting this erasure through creative interventions such as performance, street art and activist cartography.
read articleFrom March 19 to 22, partners from our network met at the University of Prishtina to discuss some key issues affecting Area Studies: How can academia continue to fulfil its public mission by adapting to new media? How do we preserve linguistic diversity in the age of AI?
read articleAt the end of 2024, tragedy shook Serbia - 16 people lost their lives due to the fall of a canopy at the newly renovated railway station in Novi Sad, once again drawing attention to the state's negligence for its own citizens and the consequences of galloping corruption. The grief quickly turned into one of the largest civil uprisings in Serbia's recent history.
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium was initiated by students from the universities of Graz, Regensburg, and Jena. The main goal of the symposium is to provide an opportunity for networking among students and graduates who are interested in Southeast European Studies.
read articleMasakra e Tivarit ishte një ngjarje tragjike gjatë muajve të fundit të Luftës së Dytë Botërore, kur Partizanët Jugosllavë detyruan mijëra burra shqiptarë nga Kosova të marshonin drejt Tivarit (Bar, Mali i Zi), me pretekstin e rekrutimit ushtarak. Pasi mbërritën, shumë prej tyre u ekzekutuan në vrasje masive.
read articleTwo taxi drivers, two worlds—yet one powerful student movement calling out corruption across Serbia. Fed up with broken promises and a collapsed train station canopy, these young activists want transparency, justice, and better universities. Ready to discover how they’re uniting a divided society?
read articleDer Artikel untersucht die Sprachbiographie von Michaela Kaniber, der Bayerischen Staatsministerin für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft, Forsten und Tourismus. Die Studie basiert auf einem Interview, das im November 2023 geführt wurde.
read articleWie sieht die Zukunft eines Landes aus, das jahrzehntelang isoliert war und nun zum aufstrebenden Geheimtipp für Reisende avanciert? Erleben Sie in diesem Beitrag, wie sich Albanien vom einst isolierten Land zu einem aufstrebenden Reiseziel wandelt.
read articleKo ima pravo da ispriča istoriju? Ako kolektivno sećanje predstavlja zajedničku, često institucionalizovanu prošlost, negovanu u okvirima određene društvene grupe, šta se, onda, događa sa prošlošću onih čiji glasovi nisu deo tog kolektivnog narativa, koji se sa njim ne poistovećuju i koji mu se – čak – protive?
read articleLaut einigen Studien gehören etwa 80 Wörter, die Erwachsene täglich verwenden, zur Kategorie der Tabuwörter, darunter auch Schimpfwörter. Schimpfwörter sind nicht nur bloße sprachliche Äußerungen mit spezifischer Wirkung,sondern ein äußerst ergiebiges Forschungsthema, und zwar interdisziplinär. In diesem Text wollen wir auf einige Aspekte dieses Forschungsgegenstandes aufmerksam machen.
read articleThis essay tries to make (anthropological) sense of a new and remarkable proposal that the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, came up with recently: to create a new sovereign religious statelet within Albania. How can we anthropologically interpret the emergence of this initiative and the changes it underwent over time, perhaps even leading to it being stalled without ever being implemented?
read articleSrebrenica mahnt – doch manche deutsche Politiker vergessen. Markus Söder schüttelt die Hand von Vučić, der den Genozid leugnet, während Bayern selbst Kritiker mundtot macht und Studierende exmatrikulieren will. Was ist „Nie wieder“ noch wert, wenn es nur eine politische Waffe ist?
read articleIn den letzten Jahren hat sich die europäische Migrationspolitik zu einem hochumstrittenen Thema entwickelt, das nicht nur die Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union (EU), sondern auch Drittstaaten in den politischen und moralischen Fokus rückt. Die italienische Regierung unter Ministerpräsidentin Giorgia Meloni verfolgt dabei einen besonders provokanten Ansatz: Asylverfahren sollen erstmals außerhalb der EU abgewickelt werden – in Lagern in Albanien.
read articleAlbania is currently undergoing a dynamic development and is high on Germany's foreign policy agenda. The international symposium aimed to discuss new perspectives on Albanian Studies at the University of Regensburg (UR) and beyond. We wanted to explore new perspectives for Albanian studies. In the field of linguistics, current issues of multilingualism, language policy and public discourse were discussed. Albanian is an important language of origin in Germany. In the area of literature and culture, we talked about Albanian literature under totalitarianism and transnational literature, based on Albanian authors in migration who write in foreign languages
read articleNicht nur auf der Baustelle arbeiteten die rumänischen Arbeiter Hand in Hand mit ihren deutschen Kollegen. Auch abseits des Arbeitsalltags suchten sie nach Möglichkeiten, sich in die Regensburger Gemeinschaft zu integrieren. Eine Leidenschaft verband sie dabei besonders: der Fußball.
read articleAt the beginning of June, Croatian and German flags flew over Imotski, a town in southern Croatia, as citizens gathered for a two-day celebration. They celebrated the unveiling of the “Mercedes” monument, a life-size replica of the Mercedes 115, popularly known as “Minika”.
read articlePolitics can be regarded as the art of words. Words not only express views and values but also reveal potential and planned activities and incite specific actions. Discourses about EUrope are particularly revealing in that regard, not only at election time.
read articleDaniel Stoyanov, aka Bulgarian Cartrader, is a rising star on the indiepop scene in Germany. Born in Bulgaria in 1986, he grew up in Germany since he was four. The text provides insights into his two key passions, music and cars. Following in his father's footsteps, he developed a liking for cars when he was young. As for his music, Bulgarian Cartrader has an exceptional talent for combining contemporary genres. His texts are autobiographical, reflecting, amongst other things, on his Bulgarian roots. Ger Duijzings has been intrigued by his alter-ego, exploring Daniel's life and music.
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium originated as an initiative by students from the universities of Graz, Jena and Regensburg. The overarching aim of the Symposium is to provide an opportunity for networking among undergraduate and graduate students who have a subject-related connection to Southeast Europe.
read articleAls Fellow kann man seinen Dienstort eine Zeit lang gegen einen Ort im Ausland eintauschen. Im Idealfall dient dies nicht allein der Materialsuche, sondern auch der besseren Vernetzung mit Kolleginnen und Kollegen aus der Region und allemal der Erweiterung des persönlichen Horizonts. In meinem Fall standen Prishtina und Skopje auf dem Reiseplan, zwei Hauptstädte Südosteuropas, die ich aufgrund von Archivrecherchen aufsuchte.
read articleDie Brücke „Stari Most“, ein Wahrzeichen der Stadt Mostar aus der osmanischen Zeit, die sich über dem Neretva-Fluss in Bosnien und Herzegowina befindet, verbindet die zwei Stadtteile miteinander. Die Brücke wurde im Laufe des Kroatisch-Bosniakischen Kriegs zerstört. Seit dem Wiederaufbau im Jahre 2004 wird sie gerne als Symbol für die Versöhnung der Gesellschaft präsentiert.
read articleSoziale Medien sind als Quelle für Nachrichten, Unterhaltung und Kommunikation allgegenwärtig. Mittlerweile gehören sie auch in der Wissenschaft zum Alltag dazu. Während sie in erster Linie als Plattform zur Verbreitung von Forschungsergebnissen betrachtet werden, bieten sie sich zugleich als vielseitige Datenquellen und interessanten Forschungsgegenstand an.
read articleSprache beziehungsweise Kommunikation ist ein entscheidendes Mittel der Politik. So ist sie selbstverständlich geprägt durch Wettbewerb und die Konfrontation verschiedener Meinungen. In der Öffentlichkeit ist diese Konkurrenz stets zu erkennen, wie etwa in Talkshows, aber auch in Form von Vandalismus im Stadtbild. Über 10 Tage habe ich eigenhändig nationalistische Zeichen in Form von Graffitis, Stickern, Flaggen und Werbeplakaten beobachtet und in Verbindung mit ähnlichem Forschungsstand gebracht.
read articleWenn man sich mit dem Begriff des „Hässlichen“ auseinandersetzt, bietet es sich an, zunächst das Konzept des „Schönen“ und die Ästhetik zu betrachten. Immanuel Kant, einer der Urväter...
read articleHaving claimed more than 22,000 casualties, the memory of the Homeland War still looms large in the social and political landscape almost 25 years later. One issue of particular concern has to do with the branitelji, or ‘defenders’ – those citizens who are officially recognised as having fought for the Croatian armed forces in that conflict.
read articleGlobale Verständigung ist ein Kunststück – vor allem dann, wenn Wörter zwar gleich aussehen, aber in jeder Region ihre eigene Bedeutung haben. So meinen die politischen Begriffe Rechts und Links in Lateinamerika nicht dasselbe wie in Südosteuropa. Die Missverständnisse, die sich daraus ergeben, haben historische Ursachen, die bis in die Kolonialzeit zurückgehen...
read articleIn contrast to the persecution of Jews during the Second World War, that of Roma was not as well-organised and prepared, nor as systematic. Rather, while Roma faced constant discrimination, their erasure...
read articleWhile in recent years, Southeast European Studies has become more sophisticated due to conceptual restructuring, it is important to acknowledge that many significant challenges lay ahead of us. Some of these were discussed during the first Southeast European Studies Forum...
read articleIn Romania, plastic waste is highly visible and engenders various reactions, from indifference to debate and action. In April 2021, Mara (woman, cultural journalist, mid-thirties), posted on Facebook a photo ...
read articleEin Schrottauto fährt los auf einer holprigen Straße in den Bergen und gleich läuft dem Fahrer auch noch ein Esel entgegen. Dazu Musik von Blechbläsern und feurige Rhythmen...
read articleHistorians of corruption claim that, although direct lessons cannot be derived from the past, the phenomenon of corruption can be better understood if we study it historically. On the one hand, today's activities regarded as corrupt were not specific to countries seen as corrupt. On the other hand, successful anticorruption is a historical, protracted process determined by a multitude of factors in a particular historical configuration.
read articleOrganizacije poput Francuske alijanse Osijek i Cercle francais d'Osijek doprinijele su promicanju francuskog jezika i kulture, te su postale važna mjesta za okupljanje francuskih državljana i lokalnog stanovništva zainteresiranog za francuski jezik i kulturu.
read articleSince the Kosovo War ended on June 10th, 1999, the international community has allocated an extensive amount of official development assistance (ODA) to transform Kosovo from a territory with minimal critical infrastructure into...
read articleKasëm Trebeshina war ein albanischer Autor, Dissident und politischer Gegner von Enver Hoxha. Trotz seines eigenen kommunistischen Hintergrundes hatte er ein Problem mit der nationalen Zensurpolitik unter dem kommunistischen Regime und schrieb ein Memorandum an Hoxha, für das er verhaftet...
read articleRomania. The country, which has been a member of the European Union since 2007, usually receives little attention in the western media. However, since the start of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine...
read articleMemory wars in Croatia are often triggered by the presence of the World War Two „Ready for the Homeland“ (Za dom spremni) Ustaša salute, from its use by right-wing politicians and war veterans...
read articleThe Southeast European Studies (SEES) Student Symposium originated as an initiative by students from the universities of Graz, Jena and Regensburg. It aimed at providing an opportunity for networking among SEES students...
read articleKy punim është pjesë e monografisë sime “Censura e letërsisë së përkthyer në Shqipërinë totalitare: rasti Robinson Kruzo”,...
read articleAls Ehefrau des albanischen Diktators Enver Hoxha bleibt Nexhmije Hoxha in der Forschung häufig unbeachtet. Dennoch verfügte sie über eine einflussreiche Stellung...
read articleRat u Ukrajini probudio je sjećanja na ratove u bivšoj Jugoslaviji; i u meni, jer sam bio u Jugoslaviji kad su počeli ratovi. U ožujku 2022., samo dvanaest dana nakon početka ruske invazije, primio sam telefonski poziv od Pavla, starog prijatelja iz davnih dana, kao da se duh iz prošlosti vratio da mi kaže: “Bok, rat se opet vratio!"...
read articleIn November 2002, the city of Belgrade announced a sculptural design competition for a memorial dedicated to the ‘fallen fighters and victims’ of the Yugoslav wars during the 1990s. In response to this, a group of artists...
read articleSanja Iveković ist eine Künstlerin die seit den 70ern für ihre - damals wie heute - neuartige und provokante Kunst bekannt ist: Neuartig im Einsatz verschiedenster Medien und provokant vor allem durch ihre Themen. Sie polarisierte weltweit mit Werken zu...
read articleThe fight against corruption ‘adorns’, as we know, the project of European integration. But in the current context of multiple crises, it may lose some of its urgency, especially when corruption helps to ‘save the day’...
read articleZwischen 2018 und 2020 wurde eine Gruppe von sechs rumänischen Bauarbeitern aus der Region Botoșani, sowie ihre Angehörigen, im Rahmen einer Masterarbeit über mehrere Monate bei ihrem Versuch...
read articleWestliche Musik und Kultur, soziale Medien und amerikanische Filme – die serbische Jugend scheint der kyrillischen Schrift den Rücken gekehrt zu haben. Möchte man den Schlagzeilen der serbischen Boulevardpresse...
read articleDuring the summer term 2022, students of the University of Regensburg had the opportunity to take part in a week- long excursion to Serbia. They visited the capital...
read articlePressefreiheit gilt als einer der zentralen Indikatoren für eine demokratische Gesellschaft. Aus gutem Grund, unabhängige Berichterstattung über...
read articleDie Stadt Belgrad ist bunt. Es liegt der Geruch von Farbe in der Luft und selbst dem ungeschulten Auge wird schnell deutlich, dass es kaum eine Hauswand gibt, die in ihrem Originalzustand belassen wurde...
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