Časopis Napredak objavljuje radove iz oblasti političke teorije i prakse.
Fondacija za srpski narod i državu, Beograd
Serbs and Slovaks: from Tatra Mountains to Gračanica!
Serbian-Slovak ties in the field of musicology through the prism of musicological conferences “Slovak Music in Vojvodina”
The paper is dedicated to the presentation of the scientific and research conferences entitled “Slovak Music in Vojvodina” which have been held in Novi Sad since 2005, i.e., to the Serbian-Slovak ties in the field of musicology as documented in the proceedings of the eponymous conference. The paper maps two main directions. The first refers to the cultural interpenetrations and influences on the conservation and improvement of original folk sons of Slovaks in Vojvodina. The second part presents interesting facts about the activities of Slovak music composers in Serbia. The most important results include the contribution of the musicological conferences during their twenty-year existence and the need to continue these activities in the future period. Namely, this study also shows that Slovak-Serbian ties in the field of musicology have not been sufficiently explored so far.
The generation of Pan-Slavism and Russian Slavophiles
The issue of cooperation between Slavic peoples remains relevant to this day. Its beginnings reach way into the past, at the very least to the period of the Great Moravian state. A certain peak happened in the 19th century, particularly in connection with the revolutionary years of 1848-1849, when a wave of revolution swept across European nations, especially the Slavic peoples who endured oppression within Austrian-Hun garian Monarchy. In this process, it is noteworthy that the impulse for mutuality and cooperation among the Slavic peoples originated in Slovakia and subsequently spread to all Slavic nations. It served as a stimulus for Slavophilia in Russia as well, from where individuals came to Slovak and Czech representatives not only to gain experience, but also to admire them for their Slavic enthusiasm.
The Contemporary Serbian-Slovak Literary Dialogue
The Serbian-Slovak relations form a longstanding bridge between the two Slavic nations. The roots of these relations go as far back as the 19th century and were originally inspired by national revival and col lective effort to gain national independence. Literary translations stand for a significant aspect of cultural ties, while extensive translation activities make sure that there is both deep understanding and cultural dialogue. The role of translators is important for the purpose of preserving this form of familiarity. There has recently been an increase in the number of translated works, which has been confirmed by meticulously reviewing the Combined Catalogue of the National Bank of Serbia, the Matica Srpska Library, and the Slovak National Library. Thanks to a large number of translators and publishers, the Serbian-Slovak literary dialogue in recent decades has been on the substantial increase.
Serbian-Slovak relations through centuries: social, cultural and spiritual dimension
The author points to the ties between Svetozar Miletić, throughout the years of his intense political activities, and other non-Hungarian nations from the Hungarian state area, with a special emphasis on Slovaks. Trying to show the permanence of these ties, the author points both to the significant biographical data from Mi letić’s life and to important political moments when the historical scene witnessed the appearance of nationally conscious Slovaks, Miletić’s friends, associates, as well as those who personally chose death to prove their loyalty to common Slavic struggle for national emancipation. The most eminent figure of the Slovak national revival, Ľudovít Štúr, is in the research focus since he had a crucial influence on the political formation of the future pivotal figure of Serbia/Vojvodina.
Serbs and Slovaks, Matica Srpska and Matica Slovenská: Two centuries of trials and experiences
Two Slavic peoples, Serbs and Slovaks, Slovaks and Serbs, serve as a good example of nations with close common origins, who, throughout their existence, have not easily forgotten this shared heritage. This common origin enables them even today, after many centuries, to understand each other well and to have meaningful dialogue. A developed consciousness of kinship, rooted as much in the facts of common origin as in the realities of mutual understanding, allows these two peoples not only to examine the obscure and unclear events of the past but also to project related visions of the future. Only by combining these two profound and distant temporal dimensions, expressed in the intersection we call the ever-relevant present, should one seek to construct one’s collective, national destiny and concrete historical reality. Such construction, in turn, should not rely solely on adapting to general, global, externally imposed circumstances but also on actively shaping a sense of meaning that reveals itself to a Slavic people as a credible value of human life, the kind of life that is possible in this time and in this world.
The role of Slovaks in the development of Sokolism in Stara Pazova: unity under the Slavic banner
The author underlines the role which members of the Slovak Sokol from Stara Pazova had in the de velopment of Sokolism, and accordingly in strengthening Serbian-Slovak ties in Srem and Vojvodina. The Slovak Sokol was the first organisation of this kind established on the territory of Austria-Hungary. To this end, the author presents an overview of activities both of the Slovak Sokol organisation as well as Slovaks, members of the Stara Pazova Sokol Society, thereby particularly focusing mainly on joint Serbian-Slovak work on establishing this society and then on what soon followed, i.e., them joining the Yugoslav Sokol organisation and ultimately their building and development efforts which eventually resulted in constructing the Sokol House, a magnificent monument to the Serbs and Slovaks, volunteer soldiers in the Great War, and mounting a memorial plaque in honour of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and King Alexander Karađorđević. In this connection, the author also notes some potentially prospective directions for developing Serbian-Slovak cooperation through renewing if not the Sokol movement on its former foundation, then through reviving the spirit of mutual unity and personal endeavours for the greater good of community
A contribution to Czechoslovak-Yugoslav economic relations in the 1920s
The study focuses on Czechoslovak-Yugoslav economic relations during the 1920s. Its aim is to analyze the reasons for their problematic development, which never fulfilled their potential enabled by the differing nature of the economies, close political ties, and membership in the Little Entente. The results, based on a review of secondary literature and archival research in Prague and Belgrade, identify the main causes of this failure as the character of Czechoslovak economic policy, its expansionist nature, and the rejection of Yugoslav imports. Furthermore, bilateral complications in negotiations on trade agreements, the introduction of import duties, and numerous disputes typical of Czechoslovak-Yugoslav trade cannot be overlooked. Economic relations that could have strengthened bilateral ties ultimately became their weakness.
Development of Slovak-Serbian cultural and scientific ties: Matica slovenská’s cooperation with Matica srpska and the Archives of Vojvodina
The text provides an overview of specific events and activities organized by or attended by the Matica slovenská, in efforts to strengthen Slovak-Serbian ties, especially those between the Matica srpska and Matica slovenská. In that context, the text lists the congresses organized by the two institutions, which represent a platform for cooperation of the two Maticas and the Slavic peoples’ institutions, which developed significant cooperation during their existence in the field of the two peoples’ history research and culture. The text also features significant anniversaries of both Maticas, as well as planning joint publishing projects and joint participation in cultural events.
Serbian-Slovak relations in the context of the life of the Slovak minority in the newly formed Yugoslav state after 1918
The study deals with the development of Serbian-Slovak relations after 1918 in the context of the life of the Slovak minority in the newly established Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes. The starting point of the study is the historical situation after the end of World War I, which brought about fundamental political and social changes in Central and Southeastern Europe and created new conditions for the development of international relations and for the position of national minorities. The focus is on the Slovak community living mainly in the territory of Vojvodina, which after 1918 found itself in a new state and political environment. The study offers an analysis of its social, cultural and institutional life, as well as forms of preserving national identity through education, community life, cultural activities and religious institutions. At the same time, it points to the role of the Slovak minority as a mediator of contacts between the Yugoslav environment and the Czechoslovak state, especially in relation to Czechoslovakia. The aim of the study was to point out the importance of the Slovak minority in the formation and development of Serbian-Slovak relations in the interwar period. Based on the analysis of contemporary sources and professional literature, the author points out that the Slovak community played an important role not only in preserving its own cultural identity, but also as a bridge between the two political and cultural spaces. The results of the research contribute to a deeper understanding of the position of the Slovak minority in the Yugoslav state and at the same time expand knowledge about the broader context of Serbian-Slovak relations in the first half of the 20th century.
Kuzmány's hymn “Glory to the Noble” (Sketches for interpretation)
The aim of this article is to use interpretative sketches to discover the humanistic semantics of Kuzmány’s hymn “Glory to the Noble” which is, from the philosophical perspective, a classic example of Hegel’s dialectic triad. The conclusion points to the still valid ideological message of this hymn (today known under the title “Who Burns for Truth”) in the promotion of truth, freedom and equality.
Introductory remarks on Serbian-Slovak cultural ties since the 19th century to the present, basic outline
The proto-study outlines the basic contours of Serbian–Slovak cultural relations from the 19th cen tury to the present. It traces the genealogy of reciprocity from the idea of Slavic cooperation, represented by figures such as Ján Kollár, Pavel Jozef Šafárik, and Svetozar Miletić, through Czechoslovak–Yugoslav relations in the 20th century, to contemporary forms of exchange. It places particular focus on parallels and cultural contacts, the role of Slovaks in Vojvodina, and the activities of contemporary actors. The text emphasizes the importance of cultural cooperation as a perspective for the further development of relations in the 21st century.
Ljubica Buba Miljković – A sanctuary for the soul
Social power and a new understanding of the world in the age of artificial intelligence
Between Hollywood glamour and bureaucratic grayness: film as a means of influencing the public opinion determinant of foreign policy
Film represents a powerful instrument capable of influencing public opinion. This paper therefore examines this medium and its impact on shaping foreign policy and determining the course a state pursues in international relations. Furthermore, it explores how different models of film vary in their influence on public opinion, as well as how they affect public attitudes toward specific issues. The theoretical foundations of foreign policy determinants, public opinion, and film are presented with the aim of identifying their common intersection—that is, the ways in which the cinematic medium can indirectly, through public opinion, influence foreign policy. The hypothesis positions film as one of the most significant factors in shaping the public-opinion determinant of foreign policy, while also partially addressing the effects it may have on the public.
Waste incineration is a controversial topic, even in technologically advanced and highly industrialized countries. Due to the complexity of this issue, it is necessary to approach the analysis from a broader perspective that encompasses all relevant aspects of the incineration process. This paper examines not only the technological dimensions but also the institutional conditions that support the implementation of the waste management hierarchy, as well as the principles of proximity and self-sufficiency. Special attention is given to the energy recovery of waste through various incineration and co-incineration technologies, with a focus on mechanisms that enable the control and reduction of harmful emissions.
Dragoš Kalajić – A Serbian critical attitude towards western culture and civilization
Abstract: Through the presentation of Dragoš Kalajić’s journalistic texts with the subject of war, as well as by emphasizing Kalajić’s participation in war conflicts during 1992-1995, the author strives to point to the basic corpus of values by which Kalajić was guided in life and which he fiercely defended, as well as to the higher, literary quality of his war reports. Analyzing Kalajić’s understanding of war and the place allotted to the writer in war, the author gives a clear picture of Kalajić’s “ideal” war correspondent, “the writer of God Mars”. He dedicates special attention to Kalajić’s observations regarding the character and spiritual strength of the fighters, who are the main bearers of the values about which he leaves a trace. In the conclusion, the author also gives a personal evaluation of Kalajić’s war records, as well as of the character of the war correspondent/writer standing behind them.
Rethinking Machiavelli’s The Prince: Humanist Critique and the Ethics of Objective Inquiry
This paper demonstrates that a proper understanding of Machiavelli’s The Prince requires a careful reconstruction of the historical and cultural context of the Renaissance at the turn of the fifteenth to the sixteenth century. Particular attention is given to the humanists’ teaching on the virtuous man (vir virtutis) and the “mirror for princes” genre that emerged from it. Within this framework, the persistent humanist critique of Machiavelli – one that continued to exert influence well into the twentieth century – can be fully comprehended. In contrast, the interpretation advanced here contends that Machiavelli was the first to introduce a principle of methodological objectivity, later described as the value-neutral inquiry. By adopting this stance, Machiavelli can be regarded as a pioneer of political science: without the methodological foundation he established, the discipline itself could not have developed. Through adherence to this principle, he was able to present an objective account of political reality and to make it publicly intelligible, demonstrating remarkable intellectual courage. In light of this achievement, Machiavelli deserves rehabilitation from the long-standing accusations and recognition as an impartial investigator of the nature of politics— a role that humanist criticism has never been able acknowledge.
Indo-Pacific strategy and Europe – from politics through defence and economy to cultural and AI diplomacy. The example of the Czech Republic
In the past decades, the increase in the importance of the Indo-Pacific region, which has become not only a new geopolitical and geoeconomic, but also a geotechnical centre, led to a series of activities both of individual countries and the European Union and its member-states, resulting in a set of strategies for the Indo-Pacific during the second decade of the 21st century. The same process continued in the current, third decade. Due to their significance, the enacted strategies soon became the subject of study, whereas lately the focus has been placed exactly on analyzing the activities of individual countries. On this occasion, we have dedicated attention to the research of the activities of the Czech Republic, which adopted its strategy in 2022, immediately after the adoption of the European Union’s Strategy for the Indo-Pacific (2021) and subsequently, this region also found its place in the official politics of this country, namely in the Foreign Policy Concept (2025), as well in the National Cybersecurity Strategy (2025).
(Tragi)comedy of errors: state double and student plenums
The paper is based on the assumption that workers’ self-management as a road of leaving the “monopoly for power possession” of the state and party bodies developed a hybrid “state double” model as a Yugoslav predecessor of the anarcho-liberal idea of de-etatization, i.e., that self-management direct decision-making and financing social activities of common interest is the beginning of direct democracy of the plenums during the students’ university blockade. The research is aimed at perceiving the roadmap of the Yugoslav liberal “state double” model which has developed into a West-centric post-Yugoslav model of direct democracy of plenums as an alternative form of civic activism at the faculties and universities in Serbia. The research methodology is founded on the comparative historical analysis of the “state double” model in the sphere of social activities, starting from workers’ self-management. The empirical research refers to the alternative system of extra-institutional decision-making of the student plenums at the universities in Serbia supported by university professors and interested social groups which has articulated the crisis of democratization and institutionalization through introducing participatory and direct democracy of plenums.
Geopolitical features of the position of Serbia and Serbian nation in modern international relations
In this paper, the author analyzes geopolitical features of the position of Serbia and Serbian nation in the context of current international circumstances, with a focus on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Geopolitical features which will be the subject of the analysis are: knottiness, borderliness and fragmentation, since these are the paradigmatic features of the Balkan territory. Having this in mind, in this paper we will define the above-listed features so as to be able to analyze them further in the given contexts. We will analyze in particular how the former and the latter affect the conflict and, accordingly, make a synthesis and show how their consequences are reflected on the position of Serbia and Serbian nation. In addition to the description, analysis and synthesis methods, we will also use the geopolitical method for the purpose of understanding a strong cause-and-effect relationship between the political and the spatial in the current context. It is assumed that the ongoing conflicts complicate the geopolitical features of the position of Serbia and Serbian nation and aggravate the international position between the East and the West.
When history falls silent, geopolitics starts speaking
Military force mobility as a challenge for the European Union in the field of defence
The paper analyzes the triggers for the consideration and the extent to which the European Union has improved military force mobility in Europe. Military force mobility ensures efficient, timely and safe transport and deployment of military staff, weapons and equipment for the needs of conducting missions, operations, exercises or everyday activities. The Russian-Ukrainian conflict pointed to an urgent need of substantially improving military force mobility within and outside the European Union through the realization of projects related to military mobility and through the development of the dual-purpose transport infrastructure within the trans-European transport network. Free movement of military forces in Europe, without any obstacles, is the question of strategic importance both for the EU and the NATO. However, it has been concluded that the current state of traffic communications is not at the satisfactory level and, according, the EU (and the NATO) undertake comprehensive measures to create conditions for completely unobstructed movement of their own military forces. The conclusions in this paper have been drawn mainly by the use of the analysis method and the comparative method. The data were collected by the qualitative content analysis of the relevant documents and statements, while the presentation is mostly chronological. In disciplinary terms, the paper is founded on science of international relations, chiefly on the foreign policy analysis.
International cooperation in disaster risk reduction in the region of South Eastern Europe
Different kinds of natural and anthropogenic disasters are increasingly numerous in modern “risk society”, while their consequences are larger and larger, often exceeding the possibilities of responding to them not only at the local, but also at the national level. All this calls for various forms of international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and emergency management. Apart from global organizations, an important role in disaster risk reduction is also played by institutional organizational forms in the EU and some of its regions. In the region of South Eastern Europe, generally prone to crises, there is only one regional initiative – Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Initiative (DPPI) and International Sava River Basin Commission (Sava Commission). It is certainly both necessary and possible to improve the existing institutional arrangements and to devise other ones to raise the capacities of these countries for disaster risk management.
True Multilateralism: Conceptual Development, Core Essences, and China’s Practices
At present, the profound changes unseen in a century are intensifying globally, and global governance encounters a growing array of challenges. The international community needs to advance global governance through true multilateralism. Nevertheless, unilateralism and hegemonism are undermining multilateralism, which faces significant obstacles. China actively advocates and practices true multilateralism, a concept it has proposed, refined, and developed. The core principles of true multilateralism include upholding fairness and justice, maintaining openness and inclusiveness, adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, promoting extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, and keeping pace with the times. China advances true multilateralism through concrete actions, such as nurturing the idea of a community with a shared future for mankind, safeguarding the UN system, enhancing multilateral mechanisms, providing high-quality international public goods, and promoting legal frameworks in global governance.
Geopolitical concepts: definition and importance
In practical terms, geopolitics is manifested through geopolitical concepts. These concepts are strategic perceptions based on geographical (socio-geographical and physical-geographical) and political indicators relevant for shaping certain goals. This paper explains the definition and importance of geopolitical concepts, as well as the necessary conditions for their legitimization. In that context, to understand certain geopolitical concepts (i.e., to understand the constants on which concepts are based), it is necessary to know the long-standing historical processes which also form collective strategic perceptions. Illegitimate geopolitical concepts cannot be successful, nor can they last in time, which is essentially opposite to the objectives of geopolitics. That is why a conclusion is imposed that successful geopolitics may not be based on any ad hoc actions, but they imply strategic deliberation, long-term planning and a multidisciplinary approach in ensuring interests of the state and the nation creating the state.
35 years from the fall of the Berlin Wall: consequences and modern tendencies
The paper examines modern processes in Europe three and a half decades after the fall of the Berlin Wall. The time distance offers more favourable conditions for perceiving the Berlin wall and its role, as well as the causes of the fall of real socialism and the ensuing processes by using the historical and comparative method, and also the synthetic-analytical method. The paper is divided into three segments: the first one deals with the demystification of the Berlin Wall and its historical role from the time of its construction to its destruction; the second segment deals with the analysis of direct and long-term consequences of the fall of the Berlin Wall, while the third one is dedicated to the forms of changes and their tendencies in Europe. The conclusion of the paper synthetizes the findings from all three chapters and gives a critical review of today’s state of affairs on the European continent.
Reviving the Monroe Doctrine – Trump’s Campaign for Panama, Canada and Greenland
The research subject in this paper is the foreign policy of the newly-appointed US president Donald Trump in relation to the parts of the Western Hemisphere – primarily Panama, Canada and Greenland, openly claiming them for the United States of America. The starting hypothesis is that Donald Trump wants to revive the Monroe Doctrine formulated as early as 1823 and stipulating that the United States should be the indisputable master of the Western Hemisphere. The research results show that, despite Donald Trump’s pompous announcements that he would expand the territory of his country during the first six months of his mandate, no significant steps were taken in that direction. In the research, the historical method, the analysis method and the case study method were applied.