Tiny Montenegro has long been different from its neighbors in the former Yugoslavia.
After a decade of bloody civil wars that included ethnic cleansing and acts of genocide, Yugoslavia in the 1990s split violently along ethnic lines into six different independent republics. But Montenegro escaped the worst of the war and for years remained with Serbia its dominant, Russian-allied neighbor as part of the rump Yugoslavia.
In 2006, Montenegrins voted for independence and separated from Serbia peacefully. Montenegro became a stable and inclusive democracy. It is a mountainous, postage-stamp sized country of 640,000 on the eastern Adriatic Sea.
Rather than maintain the Slavic ethnic identity of Serbia, Montenegro made room for all kinds of people. It was home to Montenegrins who are Orthodox, Muslim, Catholic and atheist yes, but also Bosniaks, Albanians, Roman-Catholic Croats and Serbs. Montenegro also has a Jewish community.
Montenegros post-independence leaders in the socialist party worked to build a broad civil society that recognized the many identities of its citizens. Many refugees from the Balkan wars sought safety in Montenegro.
Its political system favored neither majorities nor minorities, a value system inherited from Yugoslavia. In 2017, Montenegro joined NATO, the transatlantic security alliance, against Russias wishes. It wants to join the European Union.
Montenegros Balkan success story and its very national identity is now in danger after a right-wing coalition aligned with Serbia and Russia took power in December.
A fight over the Montenegrin language is symbolic of the broader political fight playing out in Montenegro.
All the former Yugoslavian republics Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro and Serbia share a mutually intelligible language, previously called Serbo-Croatian. The differences among them are comparable to the varieties of English spoken by Americans, Australians, British and South Africans.
Since Yugoslavia broke up, each new Balkan nation has used language to create a common political and cultural identity for itself, establishing each language with its distinctive style and standardizing its usage.
As my research and others show, some were more successful in that effort than others. Bosnian, Croatian and Serbian are now well established as national languages, used in schools, the press, business and government.
Montenegrin, however, remains contested.
It is embraced by citizens who stand for an inclusive, multi-ethnic Montenegrin society. But those who view Montenegro as fundamentally an extension of the Serbian state consider Montenegrin merely a dialect of Serbian. According to a leader of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Montenegrin does not exist.
Montenegros new coalition government seems to side with the Serbs on the language question.
In March the new minister of education, science, culture and sports, Vesna Brati who identifies as a Serbian nationalist threatened to close the Faculty of Montenegrin Language and Literature in the old royal capital of Cetinje and has blocked its funding since January. The institute has led efforts to standardize the Montenegrin language and foster scholarship about Montenegrin literature and culture.
In a young country still forging its national identity, erasing the Montenegrin language that has bound its people together is akin to eliminating the Montenegrin identity.
Multi-ethnic Montenegro has so far achieved stability through a balancing act that recalled how Yugoslavian premiere Josip Broz Tito ran multi-ethnic Yugoslavia for much of the last century.
Yugoslavia, founded in 1918, was dominated by Slavic-speaking Serbs, Croats and Slovenes but was home to many Hungarians and Albanians, among other non-Slavic minorities. It was also divided religiously, between Roman Catholicism the faith of Slovenians and Croatians and the Eastern Orthodox Christianity of Serbians, Montenegrins and Macedonians.
After the Second World War, Marshal Tito and his Partisans having driven out Nazi occupiers led Yugoslavia under socialist rule. For four decades, Tito maintained order and quelled rivalry within Yugoslavia with an iron fist and by careful balancing of conflicting claims for cultural dominance.
From the Yugoslavian capital, Belgrade, Tito promoted a one-party system and ideology fostering brotherhood and unity among Yugoslavias many disparate traditions and communities.
That delicate balance broke down after Titos death in 1980.
Wars erupted in Yugoslavia along national, ethnic and religious lines. Serbian and Croatian paramilitaries seeking to carve out ethnically pure states carried out ethnic cleansing operations against their rivals in each others territories and elsewhere. Bosnia and Herzegovina fragmented among Catholics, Muslims and Eastern Orthodox witnessed the gravest atrocities.
Montenegro now seems to be at risk of a similar unraveling with its long-ruling Democratic Party of Socialists out of power. While rhetorically supporting Montenegros NATO and EU membership, Montenegros new political leadership is ideologically aligned with Serbia and Russia.
Many Montenegrins are appalled by their young democracys unexpected twist of fate. They fear Serbian cultural hegemony will negate their progress in nation-building and move Montenegro away from European values and toward Russia.
[Over 100,000 readers rely on The Conversations newsletter to understand the world. Sign up today.]
Russian President Vladimir Putin is watching the struggle over Montenegros future closely. Russia has traditional cultural and religious ties to Montenegro, and having Montenegro in Putins portfolio would give Russia access to a Mediterranean port.
Some Montenegrins even worry that violent ethnic conflict could begin again anew. For them, the Balkan wars are still a fresh memory. And theyve seen several democracies in Eastern Europe Poland and Hungary chief among them come under autocratic rule.
The West learned the hard way 25 years ago that conflict in the former Balkans can end in tragedy. Will this history repeat itself in Montenegro?
Excerpt from:
- Secular Americans Are the New Values Voters and This Election Proved It - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Outcry in Hollywood over Minari's placement in foreign-language category - The Guardian [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Zuckerman: Secular values voters are becoming an electoral force in the US just look closely at 2020s results - Palm Beach Post [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Secular 'values voters' are becoming an electoral force in the US just look closely at 2020's results - Jacksonville Journal-Courier [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- The authenticity of the virgin birth | Editorial Columns - Brunswick News [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- FL County That Blocked Atheists from Giving Invocations Adopts Revised Policy - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- To the atheist Sartre: Thank you for this vivid incarnation of Jesus - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: December 26th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 26th, 2020]
- Russian New Year: At The Heart Of A Wide Tapestry Of Winter Traditions - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty [Last Updated On: December 30th, 2020] [Originally Added On: December 30th, 2020]
- Conservative Writer: Dr. Anthony Fauci is Immoral Because He's a Humanist - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2021]
- Theres More to James Randi Than Meets the Eye - National Catholic Register [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2021]
- Wrestling With Foam-Pillow Atheism - National Catholic Register [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2021]
- Deadly IS attack threatens China's Belt and Road in Pakistan - Nikkei Asia [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- Pope Francis: We need unity in the Catholic Church, society, and nations - The Catholic Telegraph [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- Kanimozhi: Our culture is different. They (BJP) cant create fear of other religions here. It wont work in TN polls - The Indian Express [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- RTs Waterford Whispers News sketch was woefully unfunny, crude and offensive - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- Heroes of the Faith: C.S. Lewis - Keep the Faith [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- James "Jim" G. Rice All Obituaries - The Gazette [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- Podcast Ep. 356: Jesus and the Capitol Coup | Hemant Mehta - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- How many Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Mormons and Hindus are in Congress? - Deseret News [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- White Supremacy in the Church: Black Leaders Discuss the Way Forward - University of Georgia [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- Critically Acclaimed Spiritual Fiction Vividly Details an Atheist Woman's Transformative Encounters at an Ordinary Garage Sale, Challenging Her... [Last Updated On: January 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 11th, 2021]
- 'I was fat and in my 30s, then I discovered rugby and it changed my life' - iNews [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- Unity has long been a theme, and anxiety, for new presidents - Outlook India [Last Updated On: January 17th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 17th, 2021]
- LETTER: America is divided, but not by Trump - The News Herald [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Jason Whitlock Doubles Down On Comparing BLM to the KKK - Black Enterprise [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Horror flick 'Saint Maud' will scare the devil out of you - The Patriot Ledger [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Clenndenning explores nature of God and belief - Central Wisconsin News - CW Media [Last Updated On: January 29th, 2021] [Originally Added On: January 29th, 2021]
- Catholic Priest: I'd Deny Biden Communion Until He Repents and Converts - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Women's History Month at the Center for Education - TheHumanist.com - The Humanist [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Kangana Ranaut Reacts To A Twitter User Who Questioned Her For Claiming She Was An Atheist As A Kid; Tweets A Perfect Explanation - SpotboyE [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Kangana Ranaut to user who questioned her atheism: My grandfather engraved it in my mind - Republic TV [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Can you be scientific and spiritual? - Big Think [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- I will be ticking no religion in the census there is so much more at stake than you might think - The Independent [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- Kangana Ranaut responds to Twitter user who questioned her about understanding atheism as a kid, credits grandfather - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- For divorced atheist remainers like me, this census was a minefield - The Guardian [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2021]
- GOP County Clerk Candidate's First Goal? Putting In God We Trust on Everything - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- Richard Dawkins on life after death: 'We're all going to die - but we are the lucky ones!' - Daily Express [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- Who are the religious nones and why is this group of Americans growing? - Deseret News [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- After Exposing a Proselytizing Teacher, an Atheist and His Child Are on the Run - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- Yes, Virginia, Atheists Have a Worldview - National Catholic Register [Last Updated On: March 26th, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 26th, 2021]
- Battle For The Soul Of Islam Analysis - Eurasia Review [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Lord Muruga's weapon Vel becomes political tool to woo voters in TN - News Today [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Most Democrats and Republicans Know Biden Is Catholic, but They Differ Sharply About How Religious He Is - Pew Research Center's Religion and Public... [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- A Washington Church Created a Bonkers Video Whining About COVID Restrictions - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- What is New Jersey's most popular superstition? (Hint: It brings good luck) - Asbury Park Press [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Mike Moffett: Educating Ed and Easter | Op-eds | unionleader.com - The Union Leader [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Congratulations, Atheists: Church Attendance in America is at an All-Time Low. - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Researchers study mental health of believers, atheists - Winnipeg Free Press [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- What the New Atheists miss about the meaning of God - New Statesman [Last Updated On: March 31st, 2021] [Originally Added On: March 31st, 2021]
- Image of 2013 Bangladesh riots shared as violence against Hindus in West Bengal - Alt News [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Mormon Church President: People Who Have Religious Doubts Are Lazy Learners - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Keir Starmer promises bill to protect women and girls in wake of Sarah Everard killing - The Independent [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Thailand: Easter of conversion, Christ as the answer to the meaning of life - Malaysian Christian News [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- 'They tried to pray the gay away': Growing up gay in a deeply religious household - The Tab [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Why did Trump lose non-religious votes at the ballot? - The Jerusalem Post [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Check Out This Massive (Resurrected) Interactive Chart of Bible Contradictions - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Frank McNally on A History of Northern Ireland in 100 Euphemisms - The Irish Times [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- TN GOP Will Fix Statewide Ban on Priests in Government (But Atheist Ban Remains) - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Zoom event to promote dialogue between theists and nontheists - Idaho State Journal [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Podcast Ep. 369: Atheists No Longer Have to Swear to God to Vote in Alabama - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 11th, 2021]
- Why the Universe Itself Can't Be the Most Fundamental Thing - Walter Bradley Center for Natural and Artificial Intelligence [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Everything Wrong With Exodus 1 in the Bible | Hemant Mehta | Friendly Atheist | Patheos - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- THE REAL MRS MUHAMMAD Will Be Performed as Part of Suidoosterfees at Artscape Theatre This Month - Broadway World [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Ford on Fridays: they call me the scat man. The bird scat man. - Victoria Buzz [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Death Cult Pastor: One Day We'll Answer to God Even You, Friendly Atheist! - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Can you believe it? Religions been taking a hit - The Boston Globe [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Atheist Sues L'Oreal Over Repeated Acts of Harassment by His Christian Boss - Friendly Atheist - Patheos [Last Updated On: April 19th, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 19th, 2021]
- Understanding the hate factory: How Rohan Joshi and his hateful post against Hindus gives us an insight into the liberal mind - OpIndia [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2021]
- Psychiatrist testifies about shooter's possible motivations in 9th day of Sutherland Springs trial - KENS5.com [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2021]
- Richard Dawkins loses humanist of the year title over trans comments - The Guardian [Last Updated On: April 21st, 2021] [Originally Added On: April 21st, 2021]
- Satyajit Ray's 100th birth anniversary falls on May 2. Sumit Paul dwells on the auteur's cinematic relevance in this age of the pandemic, blind faith... [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Leap of faith: NM-filmed Walking With Herb follows grieving grandfathers spiritual journey - Albuquerque Journal [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Letter to the Editor: By being secular, we include everyone - Canton Repository [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Civil ceremonies overtake religious as marriages fall by 53% in 2020 - BreakingNews.ie [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Rewind: Five Spoilery Teases For Marvel's Heroes Reborn, Out This Week - Bleeding Cool News [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Chimeras, Richard Dawkins, and the madness of Catholicism - Angelus News [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Where Steve Meyer Agrees with an Atheist Marxist - Discovery Institute [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Atheists Respond to National Day of Prayer This Week With Action to Feed the Hungry and Clean Up Litter - Good News Network [Last Updated On: May 3rd, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 3rd, 2021]
- Bob Marley: Reggae king's only Scottish gig remembered on 40th anniversary of his death - The Scotsman [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2021]
- ON MENTAL ILLNESS: There is No Conflict Between Religion and Science. Category: Columns from The Berkeley Daily Planet - Berkeley Daily Planet [Last Updated On: May 11th, 2021] [Originally Added On: May 11th, 2021]