Russia's Shifting Dynamic Between Bulgaria and Serbia

Petrović, Miloš (2026) Russia's Shifting Dynamic Between Bulgaria and Serbia. In: Three Centuries of Russian Influence in the Balkans. Peter Lang Publishing Inc., New York (USA), pp. 41-66. ISBN 978-3-0343-5628-2

Text Petrovic_chapter_Russia Shifting Dynamics Bulgaria Serbia.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (3MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This chapter aims to analyse Russia’s changing local alliances between Bulgaria and Serbia since the nineteenth century. Historically, Russia has prioritised Bulgaria in various periods due to its strategic significance near the Black Sea straits, while also maintaining and evolving relations with Serbia as a strategic alternative. While this does not necessarily mean that pro-Russian political phenomena would unfold identically in the socio-political arenas of Bulgaria and Serbia, the Russophile sentiments in both societies are comparable. They are seen by some as ‘bear huggers’, whose functional identity bonds make them very responsive to fostering ties with Moscow. The argument is made here that Russia’s interactions with both Sofia and Belgrade have fluctuated, with Serbian collaboration deepening during periods when Bulgaria, as the region’s primary ‘swing state’, was reluctant to enhance its cooperation. This shifting dynamic also mirrors the geopolitical fault lines that have historically traversed the borders between Bulgaria and Serbia, an issue that persists to the present day. The chapter employs an historical comparative method as the primary approach, incorporating theoretical perspectives from constructivism, realism and proxy premises. In terms of sources, the research primarily relies on academic literature within the domains of history and political science.

Actions (login required)

View Item