Observing the Balkans while finishing a political science thesis.
Latest posts by Marko Angelov
Serbian internet users ridicule disinformation broadcast by pro-government media
Local media misinformed the public about the scale and scope of the protest, sparking a cascade of online criticism.
After a bloody attack on an opposition leader, critics of the Serbian regime express fears of a descent into fascism
"We will fight to ensure that Serbia doesn't remain a country of bloody shirts, and a country where the blood of those who think differently from the regime is spilled."
Macedonian propagandist calls for rape of female journalist, sparking outrage
The threat came from Cvetin Chilimanov, a well-known propagandist and dogged promoter of Macedonia's former ruling party.
Do Macedonians want their country to join NATO and the EU? A historic referendum will decide
The September 30 referendum explicitly asks: 'Are you in favour of EU and NATO membership by accepting the Agreement between the Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Greece?'
Serbian president apologizes for ‘stupidly’ citing The Onion, a satirical news platform
'I don't blame my advisers, if I had thought that through and if I wasn't tired I would realize it's odd,' Vučić said, adding that it's normal to make mistakes.
Montenegro disagrees with Trump that they are a threat to world peace
Nobody except Trump can imagine that Montenegro would start a war with Russia, even though there were many old Yugoslav jokes about Montenegro starting a war with China.
Are the people from the former Yugoslavia pleased with Croatia's success in the World Cup? Yes.
Croatia's success in the 2018 World Cup inspired numerous fans from all across the Balkans -- defying the historic ethnic-hatred between neighboring nations.
Balkan right-wing populists continue attempts to rehabilitate the legacies of World War II Nazi collaborators
Revision of the history of World War II is an important element of extremist right-wing indoctrination in Europe and recent examples from Serbia and Croatia indicate complacency of ruling elites.
Montenegrins protest the latest armed attack on journalist, demand end to impunity
After an attack in which journalist Olivera Lakić was shot in the leg, several hundred Montenegrins protested in Podgorica, demanding end to impunity and life without fear.
A Children's Costume Contest in Macedonia Sparks Outrage With ‘Portable Adolf’ Hitler Entry
"Everybody was appalled by the poor kid dressed as Hitler. Who, we all know, was racist...Even those who shouted..."For a clean Macedonia," which is exactly what Hitler was all about."
Did the Macedonian Orthodox Church Really Start a ‘Crusade’ Against a UNESCO-Protected World-Heritage Custom?
An attempt to preach against UNESCO-protected wearing traditional white and red good luck charms by the Macedonian Orthodox Church seems to have backfired.
Serbian Journalists Face Harassment for Investigating Spending by Defense Minister (and His ‘Aunt From Canada’)
In spite of threats, investigative journalists keep demanding accountability from Serbian Minister of Defense Aleksandar Vulin.
Macedonia Has Its Own #MeToo Movement — #ISpeakUpNow — and It Is Gaining Momentum
Despite the backlash from trolls, the #ISpeakUpNow movement has mostly drawn support and applause for the survivors of sexual abuse who refuse to stay silent any longer.
Macedonia's Former Government Tried to Cover Up Its Own Wiretapping Operation, With Help from a Foreign Company
New revelations show the depths of manipulation perpetrated by the populist propaganda machine of Macedonia's former government.
Contrary to Social Media Claims, Serbia's President Has Not Named a Street After War Criminal Ratko Mladić
Social media users falsely blame Serbian President Vučić for renaming a street after the war criminal from the Bosnian War, using his footage from a 2007 radical party protest.
In Macedonia and Serbia, Right-Wing Politicians Make Their Followers Swoon—Literally
Both Serbian President Vučić of Serbia and former Macedonian Prime Minister Gruevski have tried to spin incidents, in which attendees to their public appearances fainted, in their favor.
A Son of Indian Billionaire ‘Resides’ in a Modest Post-Communist Building in Macedonia
Indian billionaire son's residence in Skopje -- and whether or not he actually resides there -- has brought up questions of corrupt ties to the former ruling party of Macedonia.
Czech President ‘Jokingly’ Threatens Journalists With an Assault Rifle Replica
Last Friday, Czech president Miloš Zeman brandished a wooden replica of an assault rifle with the inscription 'for journalists' written on its side. Journalists, however, failed to appreciate the 'joke'.
Balkan Pride Parades Highlight Growing Support for LGBT Rights (and Politicians Are Taking Notice)
Serbia's openly gay prime minister became the 'first head of government to attend a Balkan Pride event.' Cynics see her appointment, however, as a move to impress the European Union.
Comical Unintended Consequences of Turkish President Erdogan's State Visit to Serbia
The warm welcome of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić during a state visit this week incited many satirical comments on nationalism and media freedoms.
‘The Eurovision Baby Has Arrived': Macedonian Contestant Jana Burceska Gives Birth to Daughter
The then-unmarried Burceska had revealed she was pregnant in her Eurovision introductory video. The move was controversial in her home country Macedonia, which has become quite conservative in recent decades.
