MANUFACTURED THREAT THE USE OF THE “COLOUR REVOLUTION” NARRATIVE AS A TOOL OF AUTHORITARIAN RULE IN SERBIA
MANUFACTURED THREAT THE USE OF THE “COLOUR REVOLUTION” NARRATIVE AS A TOOL OF AUTHORITARIAN RULE IN SERBIA

Author(s): Maja Bjeloš
Subject(s): Media studies, Governance, Public Administration, Communication studies
Published by: BCBP Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku
Keywords: Colour revolution narrative; Serbian Progressive Party (SNS); Aleksandar Vučić; Russian–Serbian security cooperation; media propaganda ecosystem
Summary/Abstract: The concept of the “colour revolution” has evolved from a term once used to describe democratic uprisings in post-socialist states into a tool of authoritarian counter-narrative and repression. Serbia’s ruling elite, drawing heavily from the Russian strategic playbook, has reframed it as a symbol of foreign subversion designed to topple the government and destabilize the country. Since 2012, the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) under Aleksandar Vučić has institutionalized this narrative as a tool for delegitimizing antigovernment protests and dissent. An essential component of the regime’s strategy has been the rewriting of historical events, particularly the October 5th, 2000 uprising, once celebrated as a democratic milestone. Protests over issues such as environmental degradation, political violence, or lucrative projects like the Belgrade Waterfront have been consistently labelled as foreign-orchestrated. By systematically branding antigovernment protests as foreign-instigated colour revolutions, the regime shifts blame for domestic failures – such as corruption and infrastructural negligence – onto external actors, thereby absolving itself of responsibility. This strategy gained significant momentum following the 2024 Novi Sad railway station tragedy, which sparked nationwide student-led protests.

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