Prishtina, June 28, 2025 — Today, the Institute for Hybrid Warfare Studies “OCTOPUS” organized a significant forum titled “Vidovdan Between Myth and Geopolitics: Its Role in the Serbian National Project”, aimed at critically reexamining the historical narratives surrounding Vidovdan and its strategic use in advancing Serbian state policies toward Kosovo and the broader Balkan region.
The event brought together leading academics, security experts, Albanologists, philosophers, and journalists from Kosovo and abroad to discuss the ideological, historical, and geopolitical dimensions of the Vidovdan myth. The forum highlighted how this narrative has been instrumentalized as a tool of nationalism and as part of Serbia’s expansionist political agenda.
Key panelists included:
Dr. Stephan Keck, Historian and Dean at Universum College
Dr. Zymer Neziri, Albanologist at the Institute of Albanology
Dr. Bejtush Gashi, Security Expert and Former Minister of Internal Affairs
Dr. Ibrahim Gashi, Professor at the University of Prishtina and Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
Dr. Christian Costamagna, Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Rijeka (Italy), CAS SEE
Dr. Enver Bytyqi, Professor of Political Science
Dr. Durim Abdullahu, Historian at the University of Prishtina
Ridvan Emini, PhD Candidate, Philosopher and Journalist
The forum was moderated by Dr. Gurakuç Kuçi, Senior Researcher at the OCTOPUS Institute and event organizer.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kuçi emphasized, “This forum is more than an academic debate. It represents a counter-narrative to a myth that has been used to justify violent policies, oppression of Albanians, and geopolitical aggression in the Balkans.”
The event included participation from civil society representatives, diplomats, young researchers, and members of the media. It was also broadcast live on various media outlets and through the official social media channels of the OCTOPUS Institute, ensuring broad public engagement.
This forum represents a crucial step in challenging and deconstructing nationalistic myths, aiming to foster understanding and promote peace in the often-turbulent Balkan region.
