Serbiens utrikespolitiska balanspolitik mellan EU och Ryssland : En kvalitativ fallstudie/innehållsanalys av hur den serbiska staten motiverar och legitimerar sin utrikespolitiska balanspolitik mellan EU och Ryssland mellan 2022 - 2025

Sammanfattning

This study examines how the Serbian state motivates and legitimizes its foreign policy balancing between the European Union and the Russian Federation during the period 2022-2025. By using a qualitative case study content analysis, official Serbian statements, speeches and policy documents are analysed to identify how Serbia presents and justifies its foreign policy position in a polarized geopolitical context. The analysis builds on two theoretical perspectives: role theory and hedging. Results indicate that Serbia motivates and legitimizes its balancing policy by presenting it as independent, rational and consistent rather than contradictory. This is done through recurring references to EU-integration, historical and political relations with Russia, sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, national interests, peace and stability. The thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of how a smaller state can use official rhetoric to manage conflicting expectations and legitimize a foreign policy position between competing geopolitical actors.