The Serbian Paradox: The Cost of Integration into the European Union

This project addresses the Republic of Serbia’s current accession negotiations with the European Union, and asks how the country’s long and often turbulent history affects that dialogue. Using Filip Ejdus’ concept of historical memory and Benedict Anderson’s “imagined community” theory of nationalism, this paper discusses how Serbia has reached a critical moment in its history by pursuing European integration. This contradicts their historical pull towards their longtime ally Russia. What role does historical memory play in these negotiations, and is integration truly possible? Additionally, how is Serbia’s powerful president, Aleksandar Vucic, using the Europeanization process to strengthen his hand domestically?

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Science

Department dc:contributor.department

Political Science

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Huennekens, John Preston

Chair dc:contributor.committeechair

• Stivachtis, Yannis A.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Bugh, Glenn R.
• Pula, Besnik

• Serbia
• European Union
• historical memory
• nationalism
• Balkan politics

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

vt_gsexam:15784

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/83453