Violent Extremism in Serbia: Islamist and Far-right

Upon conducting extensive research over five years, the research team aims to give an overview of the two major forms of extremism in Serbia. The first part focuses on the roots, occurrence, and ideological basis of both the Islamist and right-wing extremism in the country. The next chapter aims to explain the international ties of extremist groups, including foreign fighters and other types of links and cooperation mechanisms with foreign extremist networks.

The paper further focuses on drivers or “push” factors contributing to radicalization and the state response and treatment of Islamist and right-wing extremism. It also explores the phenomenon of reciprocal radicalization – if one form of extremism reinforces another. Finally, the authors provide an overview of the most pervasive and concerning consequences of the right-wing extremism expansion and state reaction (and lack thereof) to it.

This research has been conducted within the PREVEX project – Preventing Violent Extremism in the Balkans and the MENA. PREVEX has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 870724. Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this publication are attributable to the authors in a personal capacity, and they don’t necessarily reflect the views or policy of the European Commission.