Course co-directors: Marija Mandić (Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade) and Aleksandar Pavlović (Institute for Philosophy and Social Theory, University of Belgrade)
The southeastern peninsula of the European continent, more commonly known under the loaded term Balkans, is a region of astonishing ethnic, linguistic and religious diversity, where some of the greatest empires and political blocs have bordered each other. Neglected and exoticized at the same time, the Balkans remain a subject of stereotypes and generalizations, disseminated by both “insiders” and “outsiders” alike. The general aim of this course is to challenge simplistic readings of the history, culture, and society of the Balkans from the region’s present and future perspective. Arguably, the problems, challenges, and prospects facing some Balkan countries have never been so closely intertwined with those faced by Ukraine, and vice versa. With several Western Balkan countries effectively finishing their accession process, will the EU actually and fully admit them as EU members? If so, what would such an admission mean in practical terms and consequences? Would opening the door for the new Balkan members in the EU stamp Ukraine’s EU future, or is it precisely that the Ukrainian fate pushed the EU towards a more inclusive admission policy? The canvas of the course, dedicated to the development of the Balkan states and their path towards EU integration, will offer ten lecturers’ reflections and thoughts on the future of the Balkans, with relevance for Ukraine’s public memoryscape, future post-war development, and EU integration.