Edina Bećirević, a professor at the Faculty of Criminology in Sarajevo, identifies Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić as a key figure in spreading “Putinism” across the Western Balkans. She argues that this phenomenon is closely linked to a form of autocracy, populism, and conservatism, which is becoming increasingly evident in Vučić’s Serbia, sharing many elements with Vladimir Putin’s political agenda.
In an interview with Radio Free Europe, Bećirević explains that Vučić and other regional leaders, like Milorad Dodik in Bosnia, support Russia’s strategic goal of preventing further Euro-Atlantic integration in the Balkans. She states that both Vučić and Putin share a quasi-messianic narrative, presenting themselves as protectors of their nations’ “spiritual and historical fates,” and view any opposition as a betrayal of national interests.
Bećirević argues that under Vučić’s rule, Serbia has moved into an autocratic regime, despite still being a candidate for EU membership. According to the V-Dem Institute, Serbia is now classified as an “electoral autocracy.” She emphasizes that under Vučić’s leadership, Serbia has rapidly embraced Orthodox Christian traditionalism, and pro-Russian narratives have spread successfully through government-controlled media.
The Criminology professor points out that Vučić uses “Putinism” to strengthen Serbia’s regional influence and block liberal reforms, not just within Serbia but beyond its borders. She also adds that, for Vučić, any attempt to approach the West is futile, as he is closely tied to autocratic leaders, including Putin.
Bećirević criticizes the West for underestimating the risk posed by Serbia under Vučić, focusing more on the threat from China. She argues that the EU’s stabilizing approach has contributed to disillusionment with European integration throughout the Western Balkans, overlooking key regional issues, including Dodik’s secessionism and Russia’s growing influence.
