American professor Daniel Serwer has said that the Student List’s victory in Serbia could mark a turning point for democracy in the Western Balkans, while stressing that the international direction of the new leadership remains unclear.
In an interview with Lajmi.net, Serwer said the student movement could face significant obstacles in its efforts to change Serbia’s political culture, citing possible resistance from state institutions, parliament, Russia and China.
Speaking about relations with Kosovo, he stressed that Belgrade must demonstrate flexibility if it wants to improve its ties with the European Union.
Serwer advises the Student List on relations with Kosovo: “If you want better relations with the EU, implement and sign the existing agreements.”
“There is little basis on which to answer this question. In May, the students reiterated the Serbian Constitution’s claim to sovereignty over Kosovo. However, if Belgrade wants to improve its relations with the EU, a certain degree of flexibility on Kosovo will be necessary. I would suggest that the new government implement and sign the existing agreements,” he said.
Serwer also called on the United States and the EU to insist on democratic reforms, greater media freedom and regional cooperation. He emphasized the need for cooperation with Kosovo and respect for its territorial integrity.
He also criticized Belgrade’s support for the Serbian List, saying that it should come to an end.
Assessing the broader significance of political developments in Serbia, Serwer said the Student List’s victory could mark a turning point for democracy across the Western Balkans.
According to him, the result shows that stabilocracy—a model in which political stability is used to justify tolerating democratic shortcomings—is a failed policy.
“I think the Student List’s victory is a clear indication that stabilocracy is a bankrupt policy and that genuine democracy can survive in the Balkans. I do not see how the Student List could avoid breaking with the previous government’s domestic policies, but its international direction remains unclear,” he said.
Daniel Serwer is a professor and senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies in the United States.
