East v. West: Serbia's Radical Divide

"They are asking us to give up Kosovo. They are asking us to give up what we are. They say it is good for Serbia, but it is a lie."
-Serbian Prime Minister Vojislav Kostunica

Serbian voters are facing a tough decision in the upcoming presidential elections—the theme: the west versus the east. While Prime Minister Kostunica was the leader in overthrowing the infamous Slobodan Milosovec in 2000, his national rhetoric is now becoming edgier, forcing Serbs to choose between Kostunica, with his pro-east alliances and isolation from the west, and current President Boris Tadic’s wish to have friendly relations with the west and the EU.

Running off the idea of retaining Kosovo within the Serbian state, Kostunica is emphasizing nationalism and opposing the integration of Serbia into the European Union if Kosovo is allowed to legally secede. Using this tactic, Kostunica is appealing to those with strong feelings for the Kosovo, which has historical and emotional value for many in the country. But many feel this strong affinity towards Kosovo could result in isolation and a regression of Serbia into the past in a time where many nations recognize the sovereignty of Kosovo. The Liberal Serbs now fear a coalition developing between Kostunica’s party and the far-right Radical Party—whose founder is presently facing trail in The Hague for war crimes.