Serbia and North Macedonia Explore Roles in Emerging Multipolar Order

Analysts note that Serbia is being reconsidered in the shifting global economy as a partner for knowledge, connectivity and long‑term growth. The new hierarchy of economic value emphasizes not only size and market access but also trust, resilience, technological capacity and cross‑border adaptability. Representatives from the United Kingdom, France, Norway, Italy and India discuss how Serbia could fit into this emerging order through strategic cooperation.

In parallel, scholars examine how small Balkan states such as North Macedonia navigate the same multipolar environment. The country confronts challenges related to its historical identity, ongoing negotiations with Bulgaria over language and culture, and the broader question of whether it can thrive without sacrificing its distinct heritage. Discussions at the 2024 Valdai Annual Conference highlighted the concept of a “civilizational state” and critiqued the limited benefits of EU‑Western Balkans integration, describing it as a tiered system that offers unequal rights and conditional prosperity.