Waiting For Our Policy

By Saša Janković

Good day, dear Iljir,

Donald Trump’s inauguration reminded me once again of the stark contrast between decisive leadership – whether or not we agree with it – and the compromises that dominated politics in the past, compromises that increasingly lacked honesty and created more problems than they solved. I believe you, like me, watched Trump’s speech, observed the body language of those present, analysed the first measures of his renewed presidency, and were struck by Elon Musk’s greeting – a notably awkward highlight in a sea of memorable moments.

I wonder if you were as struck as I was by Trump’s directness in breaking away from previous policies, his decisiveness in political planning (even though I find many of his plans unappealing), and his willingness to call things by their true names. His readiness to make swift decisions – often questionable ones – stands in stark contrast to the endless search for compromises which, after much negotiation, end up devoid of any real essence, serving merely as hollow pamphlets while in realty other things are being done.

The night before Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, I had a conversation in Washington that could have had far-reaching consequences. I was there at the invitation of Trump’s private confidant for the Balkans, following his victory in the U.S. presidential elections and two months ahead of me finishing second in Serbia’s. The discussion ended without agreement due to my reservations about the plan on the table. So, I can’t say I’m a Trump supporter. Yet, I recognize that his approach to politics is authentic and determined, even if I frequently disagree with it.

On the other hand, the alternative we often see feels like a mirage. Or worse, a performance with a polished synopsis but hypocritical, unprincipled execution that leads to globally harmful consequences. It is precisely this failure of mainstream politics that paved the way for Trump and his concept of governance: “You’re now in my private hotel – the only, biggest, and most magnificent in the Western world, where my rules and only my rules apply. If there’s anything you don’t like, get out.”

Before the elections, I asked a taxi driver in New York (a globally applicable method for gauging public opinion) whom he supported: the Democrats or Trump. His response was clear: “Trump. He’s a prick, but he doesn’t hide it; the others have been insulting my intelligence for far too long by pretending to be good guys.” Isn’t this the same sentiment that significantly contributed to the change of power in Serbia in 2012?

Here in the Balkans, many believe our lives depend more on decisions made by American, Russian, or European politicians than on those made by our own leaders. Subconsciously, we expect foreigners to think about our countries, interests, and people, to know our history, and to follow our politics as closely as we do. However, after decades of communicating with foreign diplomats, I can’t shake the impression that we perceive ourselves as far more important than we, unfortunately, are. That doesn’t excuse, however, their occasional ignorance, naivety, or, in some cases, outright indifference to the consequences of harmful statements and actions toward us.

The reality is that external influence grows stronger as domestic politics and politicians grow weaker. Serbia today largely knows – and finally is increasingly showing, “without fear” – what it doesn’t want.

But when it comes to defining what Serbia does want – what kind of policies and which people to implement them – this is not only unknown but also forbidden to ask, as even discussing it could shatter the fragile consensus about what we don’t want.

This avoidance leaves us looking outward, watching Trump and, in some ways, envying Americans and others who have politicians and political projects for the future – projects they can agree or disagree with. I look forward to the time when we will begin demanding the same for ourselves: leaders and projects that reflect not just our rejections, but also our hopes and aspirations.

Sincerely yours,

Saša Janković