ABSTRACT
The chapter explores the concept of the “democratic jet lag,” defined as a disparity between an actual and perceived state of democratic development. In the ex-Yugoslav countries, the term is frequently marred with self-fulfilling prophecy of backwardness. Instead of being addressed, the gap in development of democratic values is, consequently, made permanent. In the Western Europe, the democratic jet leg is often hidden or externalised. An example of the latter is the ideological construction of the “Balkan” as a place that is permanently behind modernity and enlightenment. By distancing itself from political and ideological projects, religion can potentially point to real erosion in democratic values and ideals, which are at the roots of democratic jet lags.
