Aleksandar Vučić is not just a domestic problem for Serbia; he is a threat to stability across the Balkans. Historian and former ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to the United States, Milan St. Protić, described Vučić to Nova.rs as “the disgrace and shame Serbia voted for.” Yet even as Protić criticizes Vučić, he reveals an ultra-nationalist perspective and a narrow view of the world, prioritizing so-called “national interests” over democratic standards or international cooperation.
“Vučić is willing to endure any humiliation to appease the great powers”
Protić explains that Vučić has repeatedly traded national interests for personal favors: from giving the General Staff building to the business circle of the U.S. president’s son-in-law, to attempting to gain Trump’s approval on economic matters and sanctions relief. According to Protić, these are acts of baseness, worthless, and deeply humiliating for Serbia.
Vučić is portrayed as ready to “yell and bow” to gain recognition from global powers while ignoring the interests of citizens and state institutions. Serbia has not achieved any real independence, and every attempt to appease the world has failed spectacularly.
International failures and Serbia’s decline
Protić highlights the consequences of Vučić’s foreign policy:
- Strained relations with the U.S. and EU,
- Sanctions on strategic companies like NIS,
- Serbia’s international reputation at a historical low.
Instead of building stable relationships, Vučić embroils the country in high-stakes diplomatic gambles with no results, leaving Serbia insignificant and humiliated on the international stage.
Domestic authoritarianism and manipulation
Inside the country, Vučić has created a system where any criticism or opposition is treated as a threat. Citizens and institutions are pressured not to interfere with his decisions. Any call for “non-cooperation” with institutions is not an expression of democracy, but a tool to monopolize power and isolate Serbia from honest political dialogue.
Vučić cannot be criticized only for external failures; he has deformed domestic democratic processes, turning Serbia into a system controlled by an unrestricted and authoritarian president. Calls to control the government and halt cooperation with institutions demonstrate clear internal manipulation that undermines democracy and the rule of law.
The Balkans under Vučić and Protić’s ultra-nationalist vision
Protić considers Vučić responsible for every crisis in Serbia and for the tensions the country exports to the region. Yet, while criticizing Vučić, he promotes an ultra-nationalist vision: Serbia must be immune to external powers and pursue total independence, often in ways that are isolationist and confrontational with neighboring countries. This combination an authoritarian leader monopolizing power and an ultra-nationalist ideology justifying isolation deepens the political crisis and destabilizes the region.
According to Protić, Serbia must achieve “total independence,” but in practice, this translates into isolation, conflict, and the worsening of relations with both the world and its neighbors.
