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Global Affairs March 2, 2025 by

CIRIS

Podcast Serbia Protest

Welcome to the Roundtable Podcast, where we engage in discussions on global security, international relations, and diplomacy’s impact on the world. Hosted by Dominique Batiste and co-hosted by Sergei Oudman, this episode explores the largest anti-corruption protests in Serbia’s history. Organized by CIRIS—the Center for International Relations and International Security, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research and policy organization—the discussion bridges academic research with real-world solutions.

The protests, which erupted in response to a tragic railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad in November 2024, have drawn widespread participation. The collapse killed 15 people and exposed deep-rooted issues of governmental negligence, corruption, and lack of transparency, particularly concerning Serbia’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects. Demonstrations quickly spread across the country, with students, lawyers, construction workers, teachers, and farmers demanding accountability. By February 22, 2025, protests had reached 276 out of Serbia’s 280 cities, marking an unprecedented national movement.

This episode features firsthand accounts from Serbian students Ivana Stefanović and Sonja Ležaja, both studying abroad but actively involved in the protests. They describe the atmosphere as a culmination of years of corruption, electoral fraud, and media control. The discussion highlights the generational divide in Serbia, where younger citizens rely on social media for uncensored news, while older generations remain influenced by state-controlled narratives. The role of independent journalism and citizen-led investigative efforts is also emphasized as crucial in countering misinformation.

Furthermore, the podcast delves into Serbia’s long-standing political challenges, including electoral fraud, state-controlled media, and international actors’ selective engagement with the country’s issues. Despite Serbia’s bid to join the European Union, systemic corruption remains an obstacle, and international responses to the protests have been largely passive. The conversation also explores the phenomenon of “brain drain,” with young, educated Serbians seeking opportunities abroad due to political stagnation and economic hardship.

As the protests continue, questions remain about their long-term impact. While some believe that sustained civil action will eventually force change, others fear that prolonged governmental inaction could escalate tensions, potentially leading to civil unrest. The resilience of the protesters and their unwavering call for justice highlight the deep dissatisfaction with Serbia’s current political landscape, making this movement a defining moment in the country’s modern history.

Follow the protests live via the following sources.
Here are the most notable Instagram pages reporting on the protests:

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CIRIS

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