Russia’s Influence on the Western Balkans The Cases of Serbia, Bosnia – Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) and Montenegro

Abstract

There is no doubt that Russian foreign policy has become more assertive and revisionist under the leadership of Vladimir Putin. One of the regions that have been directly affected by the Russian foreign policy is the Western Balkans as the Russian influence on the area has been increased over the last decade. The aim of this thesis is to examine the Russian influence on the area of the Western Balkans and especially in Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina (Republika Srpska) and Montenegro. The present thesis argues that Russia’s approach towards the above mentioned countries does not rely only on a single policy instrument to achieve its goals, but it combines a variety of instruments on economic, political, diplomatic, military or cultural level, adapted to the requirements of each country. However, despite its soft power policy and the rhetoric of brotherhood ties, Russia has not created a real trust in the region and its influence should not be overestimated by its competitors and especially the EU.