The Strengthening Alliance Between Serbia and Iran: An Examination of Political and Religious Nationalism
Serbia and Iran's growing partnership has raised concerns about the collaboration of authoritarian regimes and its potential impact. Through various interactions and agreements, the two countries have emphasized their shared interests and historical connections.
A significant milestone in this partnership was reached when a delegation from the Serbian Foreign Ministry visited Tehran and secured a substantial deal. This deal involved an order for 20,000 Shahed-136 drones, highlighting the deepening ties between Serbia and Iran. Iranian officials expressed their commitment to strengthening relations, indicating their intention to solidify this collaboration.
The dialogue between Serbia's Deputy Foreign Minister Goran Aleksic and Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Ali Bagheri further highlights the strategic importance both countries place on their cooperation. Bagheri stressed the need to enhance commercial ties, particularly with Balkan nations like Serbia. He emphasized that economic relations are crucial for regional stability and security.
Serbia's shift towards authoritarian regimes, departing from Western policies, has aligned it with Russia's approach of obtaining weapons from Iran. This action has drawn condemnation from the West, especially considering Russia's involvement in Ukraine. The relationship between Iran and Russia, involving the exchange of drones for financial and technological support, has faced international scrutiny and led to sanctions.
The historical and emotional foundations of political and religious nationalism in both Iran and Serbian share intriguing parallels. Both are deeply influenced by the regretful memories of significant lost battles: the Battle of Karbala for Shia and the Battle of Kosovo for Serbs. These losses have played a crucial role in shaping the national identities of both communities and their claims to specific territories.
The Shia community's emotional connection to the Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein and his followers were defeated, has fostered a sense of historical grievance and a longing for justice. This emotion of regret and mourning has fueled a heightened sense of entitlement among Shia communities. They believe they have been wronged and must regain control over what they perceive as their rightful territories. This sense of entitlement is often expressed by highlighting the presence of Shia populations in different regions, creating the belief that their people are endangered and in need of protection.
Similarly, the Serbian blend of political and religious nationalism finds its roots in the Battle of Kosovo, where the Serbs suffered a significant defeat at the hands of the Ottoman Empire. This historical loss has been a source of deep regret and a rallying point for Serbian identity. The emotion of regret has contributed to a sentiment of entitlement among Serbs, who view themselves as an endangered people needing to preserve their cultural and historical heritage. This notion of entitlement often translates into claims over regions where even a small number of Serbs reside, as a way to reestablish their presence and historical influence.
In both cases, the combination of political and religious nationalism is intertwined with a strong sense of victimhood, stemming from these pivotal historical losses. The emotions of regret and the desire to rectify past injustices have given rise to a fervent belief that both communities have a right to claim territories where they believe their presence is threatened.