Serbia is a partner country, not a burden

Countries often differ in size, power, and wealth, and in practice, no two countries are completely equal by all parameters. However, the fact that one side always has a significantly better starting position in the relations between two countries does not mean that a smaller state should look at the greatest powers as protectors. Instead, it emphasizes the need to build and maintain partnerships.

This is especially important for Serbia, which has traditionally been at the crossroads of superpowers. We must not seek protectors, mothers, or uncles in them, because in doing so, we willingly place power in the hands of others. On the other hand, in such a relationship, we not only give the great powers authority but also a certain degree of responsibility, which in practice primarily represents a burden. The outcome of this can sometimes be positive, but being left out in the cold is inevitable, especially when the stakes are highest, and the preservation of one's interests is most significant.

The remedy for this is simple—hard work. In other words, the solution is to build partnerships, but if small states like Serbia do not put in serious effort, the greatest powers will view them as a burden. Diplomacy is at the heart of this need. The smaller the country, the greater the importance of investing in diplomacy and strengthening ties with the rest of the world. Of course, the world's greatest powers, such as the United States, China, and Russia, have exceptionally complex and advanced diplomatic systems that receive substantial financial investment, but all this is the result of material and other factors. When looking at the past of today's greatest powers, it is evident that each of them had long periods of isolation where strong diplomacy was not a priority, but rather something in which danger lay.

Serbia, on the other hand, owes its statehood and independence precisely to strong and proactive foreign policy engagement over the past two centuries. Therefore, even today, investments in the diplomatic-consular apparatus and qualified personnel must be one of the state's top priorities, no matter who governs it. The focus of the great powers can change very easily, and when they do turn their attention to Serbia and the region, it is usually to a lesser extent than one would expect from faithful protectors. When there is a thoughtful and proactive approach to maintaining partnerships, this focus on Serbia will be more consistent, targeted, and effective for mutual benefit.

A similar principle applies to the desire for increased trade, economic growth, and attracting investments. To grow, we must spend energy, time, and above all, resources to improve Serbia. The most profitable investments from all parts of the world are only possible with the existence of many conditions, from infrastructure and energy, supply chains to security and a well-organized financial system. All this comes at a cost, of course, but what Serbia truly cannot afford is to sit back and wait for the mood of the "protectors" to change.

Partnerships should not only be built with the greatest powers, although perhaps the individual significance of such partnerships is the greatest. For example, Latin America plays a peripheral role in key geopolitical upheavals, but with its diverse and large economy, it represents a great source for new partnerships. This is facilitated by the fact that the Serbian people and state have had a presence in South America for over a century, with a rich history that can serve as motivation for renewing these relations. Potential pillars of these partnerships could be trade, the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, tourism... The traditionally friendly relations that need to be renewed and strengthened are also present in Africa—Serbia could achieve a great deal if it could, within its own capabilities, institutionally support the development of poor African countries.

We need to have an open view of the world and the wealth of opportunities it offers, but also be aware that the price of progress must be paid through time, effort, and money. Serbia must not be a burden to others, but in its relations with every country, whether the USA or Senegal, it should approach with initiative, respect, and independence.

Written by: Vuk Velebit, Executive Director of the Pupin Initiative