Democracy in Decline: Russian Influence in Serbia

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Abstract

In Serbia, the incomplete transition from Soviet governance coupled with mistreatment by Western powers has disrupted the growth of democracy and laid the groundwork for authoritarian consolidation. Russia has positioned itself as Serbia’s primary ally by making substantial economic inroads and solidifying its influence over the state. Serbia, in turn, has benefitted from outside investment—particularly in the energy sector—and adopted strategies reminiscent of Russia’s playbook to bolster authoritarianism, cracking down on freedom of speech and manipulating elections. The increasingly intimate political relationship between Russia and Serbia poses long–term risks to democracy in the region, leaving the West scrambling to prevent the further spread of Russian influence.