The Concept of the "Serbian World". A Copy of the Russian World or a Unique Idea for the Multidimensional Cohesion of the Serbian People?

Masterarbeit , 2022 , 80 Seiten , Note: 1,6

Kulturwissenschaften - Osteuropa

The following article thematizes the newly-established concept of the "Serbian World" which was initially propelled under the media spotlight in Serbia and the region of former Yugoslavia in 2020. Since becoming popular in the media discourse in both Serbia and the region, the term "Serbian world" has not been studied or analysed properly nor has it been the topic of academic research as such. Therefore, the author of the thesis reconstructs the cognitive structure of the Serbian world concept in political discourses in contemporary Serbia and the region, using the methodology of cognitive semantics. Moreover, this article analyses the various meanings and dimensions of the "Serbian World" concept and emphasizes how the concept is used by the various Serbian governments since the dissolution of Yugoslavia in order to develop a unique soft power concept to improve the image of Serbia regionally and internationally. Furthermore, the author analyses the historical roots of the terminology and the concept per se, but also focusses on its relation to the much more famous Russian counterpart - Russkiy mir. Overall, the article gives the first ever overview of the Serbian world concept in which the author concludes that the Serbian world represents a unique multidimensional, but also relatively fluid concept, used by various Serbian and regional social actors, often politicizing and misusing its true meaning.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1. Introduction:
• 1.1 Research status:
• 1.2 Methodology and Time Framework:
• 1.3 Theoretical structure:
• 1.3.1 Sources of 'soft power' and Nye's conversion model:
• 1.3.2 Soft Power and Serbia: A nation on the rise?
• 2. Defining the Serbian world concept:
• 2.1 Moving through time and space:
• 2.2 Modern-day meaning and use of the term:
• 2.3 Dimensions of the Serbian world:
• 2.3.1 Nationality-oriented dimension:
• 2.3.2 Cultural dimension:
• 2.3.3 Spiritual dimension:
• 2.3.4 Psychological dimension:
• 2.3.5 Geopolitical & territorial dimension:
• 3. 'Serbian world' - A Borrowed Concept?
• 3.1 The Concept of the 'Russian World'..........\n
• 3.2 The Serbian World - A Copy of the Russian World or a Unique Concept? .......

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

The thesis investigates the concept of the "Serbian World", exploring its historical development, contemporary usage, and potential future trajectory. It examines the idea's relationship to the "Russian World" concept, analyzing whether it is a borrowed or independent notion.

• The historical evolution of the Serbian World concept
• The contemporary usage and meaning of the Serbian World term
• The various dimensions of the Serbian World, encompassing cultural, spiritual, psychological, and geopolitical aspects
• The comparative analysis of the Serbian World concept with the Russian World
• The future prospects and implications of the Serbian World idea

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the research context, methodology, and theoretical framework. It examines the historical and current situation of Serbs living outside of Serbia, emphasizing the desire for a stronger cohesion among Serbian communities.

The second chapter dives deeper into the concept of the "Serbian World", exploring its historical development, contemporary usage, and various dimensions, including cultural, spiritual, and geopolitical aspects. It examines the Serbian World as a unique idea for achieving multidimensional cohesion among Serbian people.

The third chapter delves into the relationship between the "Serbian World" and the "Russian World" concept, comparing their origins, objectives, and implementation strategies. It analyzes whether the Serbian World idea is simply a copy of the Russian World or a unique concept with its own distinct characteristics.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The core focus topics of this thesis include the Serbian World concept, its history, dimensions, and future prospects. It examines the relationship between the Serbian World and the Russian World, highlighting themes of soft power, cultural influence, national cohesion, and identity.

• Hochschule: Freie Universität Berlin (Institute for East European Studies)
• Note: 1,6
• Autor: Aleksandar Ljubomirovic (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2022
• Seiten: 80
• Katalognummer: V1342640
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346855879
• ISBN (Buch): 9783346855886
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: Serbian World, Russkiy Mir, Concept, Serbian Orthodox Church, Soft Power, Serbian Diaspora