Explore the intricate relationship between heritage and Serbia’s foreign policy in this insightful analysis. Delving into the realms of cultural and heritage diplomacy, the document sheds light on how Serbia strategically employs its cultural assets to achieve foreign policy objectives. This article analyses the use of heritage in Serbia’s foreign policy through two case studies, using theoretical frameworks of museology and heritology, such as the fact that cultural artefacts represent a source of information.
The article offers an overview of some past practices, e.g. the state using Serbian mediaeval heritage in Kosovo and Metohija to prevent Kosovo from joining UNESCO in 2015, as well as actively using the Roman heritage to present Serbia as a part of the European discourse. The article also provides guidelines for potential further uses, i.e. practical advice on how to approach heritage and how to incorporate it most efficiently into Serbia’s cultural diplomacy and heritage diplomacy efforts, so as to achieve certain foreign policy goals.
All in all, the document advocates for a strategic approach to heritage diplomacy, emphasising the need for aligning cultural assets with foreign policy goals to maximise impact. Professionals and enthusiasts in European Heritage will find this exploration of Serbia’s heritage diplomacy practices both informative and insightful, offering valuable insights into the intersection of culture, diplomacy, and soft power on the international stage.
