The Serbian Perception: Why Serbs Criticize Other Nations for Aspirations of Greater States

When Serbs call out other nations for wanting greater states, it reflects a complex mix of historical grievances, nationalist rhetoric, and the legacy of past conflicts in the Balkans. This perception is not unique to Serbian nationalism but is rooted deeply in the historical context and the current political landscape.

Historical Context

The pursuit of a greater state has been a defining feature in the Balkan region for centuries. After the dissolution of Yugoslavia, Serbs saw their territorial aspirations being challenged, particularly in regions like Kosovo. This historical context shapes the way Serbs view other nations' ambitions.

Perception of Nationalism

Nationalism can be seen as a double-edged sword. While Serbs advocate for their own national aspirations, they criticize other ethnic groups, particularly those with similar goals, especially when these aspirations threaten Serbia's territorial integrity or lead to conflict. The perception of nationalism is thus a sensitive and complex issue.

Identity and Legacy

The legacy of the Yugoslav Wars and the complex ethnic landscape in the Balkans mean that discussions about national identity and territorial claims are often sensitive. Serbs feel that their historical grievances justify their aspirations. However, their views of these grievances and the motives behind other ethnic groups' ambitions are often well-documented and can be highly emotional.

Political Rhetoric

Political rhetoric surrounding national identity is a powerful tool for leaders to rally support. Accusations against other groups can serve to unify a population around a common cause or to divert attention from domestic issues. The Serbian government has often used these accusations to maintain a strong national identity and to galvanize support for certain policies.

The Case of Greater Albania

A common example of this is the obsession with Greater Albania. The term 'Great Albania' is often used in Serbian media to stoke fears about Albanian aspirations in the region. For instance, the Serbian media frequently reports on the potential threats to Serbian lands and the role of the U.S. in supporting these aspirations. In contrast, such coverage is rarely applied to other ethnic groups like Albanians taking land from Greece.

The SANU Memorandum and Milosevic's Legacy

The historic SANU memorandum and the actions of Slobodan Milosevic further highlight Serbian nationalistic sentiments. Milosevic's rhetoric and policies were aimed at unifying all Serbs under one state. One of his close companions said, 'The Drina river is not where Serbian border is; it is just in the middle of Serbia.' Additionally, Milosevic himself claimed, 'Wherever lives one Serb, that place is Serbia,' emphasizing the expansive idea of Serbian territory.

Aleksandar Vucic, the current Prime Minister of Serbia, has also been vocal about Serbian territorial aspirations. He declared, 'For every killed Serb, we will kill 100 Muslims.' This rhetoric complements the historical narrative and further entrenched the idea of a greater Serbian state.

Consequences and Current Reality

During the 1990s, Serbia faced significant setbacks in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. These losses were exacerbated by the actions of leaders like Milosevic, leading to the expulsion and killing of Serb civilians. The aftermath of these conflicts led to a sense of jealousy among Serbs when other ethnic groups, such as the Albanians, achieved independence. Despite Serbia's failure to establish the Greater Serbia vision, events like the creation of Kosovo further fueled Serbian anxieties about territorial integrity.

In summary, the perception of national aspirations in the Balkans, particularly in Serbia, is deeply rooted in historical grievances, nationalist rhetoric, and the complex legacy of past conflicts. The focus on these issues reflects a broader narrative that seeks to protect Serbian identity and territorial claims.