We are presented with a unique opportunity to establish relationships with the new generation of leaders in the U.S. who see Serbia with fresh eyes. These future leaders, unburdened by the past, may not necessarily change their countries’ policies, but they offer the chance to reset and build strong relationships. Diplomatic and state relations are often built on personal relationships among individuals within administrations, providing Serbia with an opportunity to establish better relations with many countries where stronger and closer ties are needed, such as the U.S.
We are currently witnessing the beginning of a generational transition. This can be seen, for example, in the State Department, where I had the chance to meet young people from the millennial generation and even Generation Z. Some of them are currently interns in the institution that shapes the foreign policy of the world’s most powerful country. However, they will soon grow into roles where their perspectives on our region will significantly influence future relations between our countries.
I had the opportunity to personally meet and converse with one such young leader. I was genuinely surprised by his knowledge of the situation in Serbia. He had previously spent four months in our country and confessed that he had fallen in love with it. He told me that during the first round of the European Football Championship, he cheered for Serbia against England, hoping for our victory. He even said that had we won, who knows, maybe we would have played in the final. It’s clear that our media also played a role in shaping his expectations, as such an outcome, if we’re honest, even we did not expect. I am aware that this sounds so unbelievable that if I tweeted about it, I would receive a ton of comments saying “it didn’t happen,” but believe it or not, this was the conversation I had with a certain Thomas, an intern at the State Department, who expressed his desire to start his diplomatic career in Belgrade when given the opportunity.
Let’s remember that before the wars of the 1990s, the U.S. was viewed through friendly eyes. Serbia, within the former Yugoslavia, was pro-American, more so than any other Yugoslav state. Everything changed after the wars of the 1990s, especially after the bombings, but now it is time to move forward. The new generation in both countries should build relationships unburdened by the events of the 1990s, as neither side was responsible for them.
We can look to examples like France and Germany or the U.S. and Japan—countries that have gone from being the fiercest of enemies to the closest of allies, showing that such alliances can be beneficial for both sides. Through this perspective, we can together build a better future based on mutual respect and shared interests.
The new generation of American leaders brings with them a freshness and openness to new ideas. Their experiences, like Thomas’s time in Serbia, contribute to shaping their views and attitudes towards our country. This generation is not burdened by memories of past conflicts, allowing for a more constructive dialogue and potential for cooperation.
Building relationships with these future leaders can bring tangible benefits to Serbia. Not only could they contribute to better understanding and support for our interests, but they could also help promote Serbia as a stable and reliable partner on the international stage. Student exchanges, cultural programs, and joint projects can be tools to strengthen these ties.
Now is the right time to seize this opportunity and move forward, building strong foundations for relationships that will benefit future generations. Through active engagement and open communication, we can shape positive perceptions and build lasting friendships. By working together on projects of mutual interest, Serbia and the U.S. can lay the groundwork for a more prosperous future.
We must remember that the relationships between states are often a reflection of the relationships between individuals. Therefore, every opportunity for personal contact and the exchange of experiences with young leaders is invaluable. Through such initiatives, we can create a positive narrative and lay the foundations for cooperation that will last for decades.
Serbia has all the prerequisites to be an important partner on the global stage. Let’s take advantage of this unique opportunity to build relationships with future leaders who will shape the world in the decades to come.
Written by Milan Urošević, Member of the XII Assembly of the National Parliament of the Republic of Serbia
