Serbian historian Dubravka Stojanović has warned that Serbia continues to deny the political and historical reality of Kosovo, arguing that President Aleksandar Vučić’s government sustains nationalist narratives focused on Serbian victimhood, which she says obstructs reconciliation in the Western Balkans.
In an extensive interview with Radio Kosovo, Stojanović stressed that unresolved issues from the 1990s Balkan wars remain a major obstacle to regional stability, with political elites across former Yugoslav states continuing to exploit wartime trauma to maintain power.
Elites Sustaining Conflict for Political Influence
Stojanović argued that the persistence of leaders and political structures tied to the wars of the 1990s has significantly slowed reconciliation efforts across the region.
According to her, political elites have used collective trauma and fear to maintain emotional loyalty among voters, preventing societies from confronting past crimes and fostering long-term stability.
“Many governments have no interest in reconciliation because conflict helps them maintain power and social control,” Stojanović said, emphasizing that the problem is particularly visible in Serbia.
Vučić Accused of Reinforcing Serbian Victim Narrative
The historian directly criticized Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, claiming that his administration has selectively highlighted events where Serbs are portrayed as victims while avoiding discussions about Serbia’s broader role in the regional conflicts.
She cited the Serbian government’s focus on commemorations related to Operation Storm in Croatia (1995) and the Battle of Košare as examples of selective historical interpretation.
“The Vučić government has transferred the memory of the 1990s wars into a narrative centered almost exclusively on Serbian victims, avoiding discussion about Serbia’s responsibility,” she stated.
Serbia Still Rejecting Kosovo’s Independence
Stojanović further argued that Serbia continues to refuse to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence and the political realities that emerged after NATO’s intervention in 1999. She said this persistent denial remains one of the most sensitive and unresolved issues in regional relations.
She also noted that public discourse in Serbia still portrays Kosovo as an autonomous province, which, according to her, prevents rational dialogue between Belgrade and Prishtina.
Younger Generations Influenced by Nationalist Narratives
The historian warned that nationalist rhetoric is increasingly shaping younger generations, suggesting that many young people in the region have been influenced by the political propaganda inherited from the 1990s.
She added that declining education standards and limited cross-cultural interaction have further complicated efforts to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding.
Civil Society Seen as Key to Reconciliation
Despite political tensions, Stojanović expressed cautious optimism, pointing to civil society, universities, artists, and student movements as the main forces capable of promoting dialogue and historical accountability.
She stressed that personal stories of victims and grassroots initiatives could help build trust between communities, even as governments continue to rely on nationalist rhetoric.
Serb Community in Kosovo Facing Political Pressure
Stojanović also claimed that Serbs living in northern Kosovo are under significant political pressure, arguing that they are often used by political authorities in Belgrade to escalate tensions with Kosovo’s institutions.
According to her, these communities are frequently influenced in electoral processes and political participation, limiting their ability to freely represent their own interests.
Reconciliation Essential for Regional Stability
The historian concluded by warning that without genuine reconciliation, societies across the Western Balkans risk remaining trapped in historical conflicts, which could fuel migration and social instability.
“Without confronting the past, societies cannot build a stable future. Remaining locked in conflict prevents progress and creates uncertainty for younger generations,” she said.
Regional and EU Implications
Stojanović’s remarks come amid continued European Union efforts to stabilize the Western Balkans through integration and dialogue initiatives. Experts warn that unresolved historical disputes remain a significant barrier to EU accession for several regional countries, including Serbia.
