Kosovsko pitanje i razvoj srpsko-ruskih odnosa od 2008. godine kroz prizmu uravnotežavanja pretnje
Kosovo question and development of Serbian-Russian relations since 2008 through the lens of threat balancing

Summary/Abstract: The paper investigates the different character, in the comparative perspective of the Balkan states, of Serbian-Russian relations since 2008, striving to identify the key cause of such development. In contrast to historical ties and energy dependence, components present in a number of other Balkan countries, the question of the status of Kosovo and Metohija as a threat to territorial integrity is identified as a key element, which traced the dynamics of those relations. From a theoretical point of view, the paper relies on the balance of threat theory as a suitable framework for contextualizing the formation of alliances in the case when important interests are threatened. The continuity of Serbian-Russian relations in the observed period, regardless of the change of government and geopolitical context, indicates the importance of balancing the long-term present threat. From a theoretical considerations, the paper draws attention to a strong balancing tendency for states facing a threat in the international system, even in a situation of great power imbalance of actors.

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