New Tendencies on the Far-Right Scene in the Western Balkans

The research paper was conducted as one of the outcomes of the FES SOE initiative on Combating the Far-Right Narratives hosted annually on Cres in cooperation with the IDESE institute. This analysis of the far-right in the region aims to map and analyze far-right groups and the development of their behavior and tendencies in the region.

In addition, it attempted to describe the activities and appearances that the ultra-right-wing organizations take to generate public support and address their messages to a broad audience. These activities range from cultural and religious activities, through vigilantism and paramilitary activities, to environmental and charitable ones. Furthermore, they often span across borders and different groups to achieve their goals. This paper also attempted to analyze the potential consequences of the growing influence of the far-right groups and whether or not their work is becoming mainstream in the region, as well as the impact that influence can have on the Euro-Atlantic prospects of the Western Balkans.

The research was conducted by Dalibor Savić (Center for Security Analysis and Prevention in Prague, University of Banja Luka), Dimitar Nikolovski (EUROTHINK, Center for European Strategies North Macedonia), Balša Lubarda (Center for Analysis of the Radical Right, Montenegro) and Richard Straka (CAMR, Slovakia).

The event in Sarajevo was opened by an address from Halina Chaščova (CAMR) and Dr. Ralf Melzer (FES SOE), followed by the introduction of the project and the presentation of results by the authors. In addition, the event also featured inputs on the impact of right-wing activities on the Western Balkans in the context of recent geopolitical challenges, the importance of implementing state-level strategies to combat violent extremism and the right-wing, and an assessment of the growth of ultra-nationalist tendencies and importance of media information. The event concluded with the assessment of the research and the potential impacts that it may have.

FES SOE will continue supporting combating extremist narratives in the region in hopes of strengthening democratic societies and their resilience to contemporary challenges.