Arben Fetoshi, the Director of the Institute for Studies of Hybrid Warfare “Octopus,” has assessed that Serbia’s deployment of Vidovdan symbolism functions as a mechanism of hybrid warfare. In an analysis published on Facebook, Fetoshi contended that this symbolism is being utilized to promote nationalistic and hegemonic narratives directed against Kosovo. Fetoshi argued that the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, continues to employ historical narratives and national symbols for perceived political and strategic gain.
According to the director, the significance of Vidovdan extends beyond mere historical or religious observance. Instead, it has been transformed into a ritualistic element designed to provoke conflict. The assessment suggests that within what Fetoshi terms a post-Milošević hybrid strategy, the observance of Vidovdan serves to sustain manipulative narratives.
These narratives, according to the analysis, focus on themes of perceived victimhood, the concept of “sacred” territory, and alleged Western aggression. The core argument put forth by Fetoshi is that the utilization of these cultural touchstones is not organic but rather a calculated political tool. This framework suggests that the promotion of these specific historical symbols contributes to a broader effort to shape regional discourse through non-traditional, hybrid means of influence.
The findings highlight an academic view that scrutinizes the relationship between national memory, state rhetoric, and modern conflict dynamics in the region.
Topics: #fetoshi #vidovdan #hybrid
