Hybrid Warfare Unleashed: Russia and Serbia's Dual Influence Anchors in the Battle Against Montenegro

The hybrid war orchestrated by Russia and Serbia against Montenegro hinges on two significant pillars of influence. The first pillar strives to convince the population that Montenegro is nothing more than a "replica" of Serbian society, sharing values such as Svetosavlje, Fascism/Totalitarianism/Right-wing ideology, Alignment towards Russia/East, Anti-European sentiment, Religious Supremacy, and more. Key instruments of influence include the denial (Serbianization) of Montenegro's nation, culture, and history through channels like the Serbian Orthodox Church, media, education, and increasingly through sports and popular culture. Notably, the Montenegrin elite's social media posts attending football matches in Serbia or identifying with Belgrade's football teams, Red Star or Partizan, exemplify this trend.

The second pillar of influence aims to persuade citizens of Montenegro that the "proclaimed enemies" of Serbia and Russia are simultaneously enemies of Montenegro. The primary goal is to convince citizens that the democratic system in Montenegro doesn't work because it only benefits the "others (West)." The narrative portrays Americans/EU/UK/Croatia as exploiters of Montenegro for their own interests, promotes the idea that there are no good or bad actors, suggesting that the West and East are equally problematic, and proposes that Montenegro should align with those who share similar views (Serbia and Russia). As a result of this propaganda (malicious influence) in Montenegro, dangerous trends have emerged. Anti-Americanism, once inconceivable in Montenegrin society, is now surfacing in articles by Montenegrin intellectuals. Notably, recent protests in front of the Parliament lacked an American flag. Through confusion and division, societal reengineering is underway, making citizens/voters easily manipulated to support pro-Russian/Serbian parties. This has been evident in the past three years and three election cycles where citizens believed they were voting for pro-European parties and against corruption but ended up supporting pro-Vucic and Chetnik parties associated with one of the most corrupt regimes in Europe.

Russia and Serbia have invested significant funds and resources to execute this operation in Montenegro, driven by their clear interest in the Adriatic Sea. Montenegrin society, simply put, cannot resist the hybrid war financed and conducted by Serbia and Russia, which are multiple times larger and stronger than Montenegro. When Montenegro turned toward the West in the beginning of 2000, there was hope that the West would treat it in a way that would protect it from Russia and Serbia. Given this, the hesitancy, confusion, and acceptance of the situation by traditional allies US/EU/GB are surprising, likely with the hope that Russia and Serbia will relent. It's time to awaken, as Russia and Serbia comprehend the strategic value of Montenegro, and the political advantage gained over Montenegro in the last three years won't be easily relinquished.