ABSTRACT

Russia’s return to the Western Balkans is heralded in the Western media as the product of deep cultural and religious proximities. The authors of this chapter argue that the picture is not black and white, and while there are historic connections, Russia’s influence hinges on the unresolved Kosovo issue, but also on the exploitation of democratic and governance deficits in the country. This chapter reveals how Russia leverages its economic footprint in the country, mostly in the areas of energy, finances, and retail, but also in media, to achieve practical goals and influence decision-making processes. Several key areas stand out as particularly relevant for understanding Serbia’s relations with Russia: (a) Serbia’s EU integration bid, which the country has put as a primary foreign policy goal and which implies changes in the country’s trade relations with all third parties, including Russia; (b) Kosovo’s independence movement, against which Russia has been the main ally of Serbia; (c) Serbia’s neutrality to the process of NATO expansion; (d) Russia’s strong role in Serbia’s energy imports, energy infrastructure, and food exports; and (e) pro-Russian and pan-Slavic attitudes among the general public in Serbia.