Arlyapova, E.S. Russia and Serbia: lessons and integration perspectives.

Abstract: The article sets a goal for the evaluation of the Eurasian Integration Project as an alternative means for the organization of the post-Soviet territory. Taking an example of Russian-Serbian relations, the author shows the role of traditional unity of culture and values, civilization orientations, and historic memory in the modern geopolitical conditions. The analysis of the dynamics and nature of the public opinion of the Russian formed the basis for the conclusion on the special role of the Balkan peninsula in perception and evaluation of the geopolitical status and potential of the Russian Federation, as well as on the conclusion regarding the most favorable regime for the development of cooperation between Russia and Serbia, including cooperation within the framework of the new integration model. Serbia is a traditional outpost of Russia in the Balkan peninsula (and, speaking more broadly, in Europe), being its undoubted historical ally in the Balkans, while the Balkans have always been the special geopolitical and geo-economical zone for Russia, and it has been always holding on to its priorities there. Connection between Russia and Serbia, them being the mainland and the isle of the Slavic Orthodox culture, is defined by something more than just “political profit and conjuncture”, “national interests and economic pragmatism”. To begin with, it hardly was formed out of purely “pragmatic and rational basis”. This special closeness withstood the test of time and it may be inherited by the future generations.

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