Introduction
In her latest monograph, Extremism and Hooliganism in the Western Balkans, Prof. Dr Marija Djoric invites the reader into what she aptly describes as a “Bermuda Triangle” of social phenomena—the Balkans, extremism, and hooliganism.
The Institute for Political Studies in Belgrade has published this revised and supplemented edition, which represents the conclusion of twenty years of research into political violence. Djoric examines the subject not merely as a detached academic but as a “Homo Balcanicus,” a species that has persisted for centuries in the fragile and often misunderstood region of the Balkan Peninsula.
The book arrives at a time of significant global upheaval, drawing parallels between regional instability and tectonic political events such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. It seeks to illuminate the “dark Wilayah” of the region, providing a multidisciplinary analysis that bridges political science, criminology, and psychology.
About the Author
Prof. Dr Marija Djoric is a distinguished figure in security studies and political science. Currently serving as the Deputy Director for Scientific Research and Head of the Centre for Security Studies at the Institute for Political Studies in Belgrade, she is also a visiting professor at the American University in the Emirates (Dubai) and she holds a PhD in political science with a specialisation in terrorism and organised crime. Her academic output is prolific, comprising approximately 100 scientific papers and six scientific monographs, including works on the extreme right, the extreme left, and the impact of the coronavirus on global extremism.
Beyond her theoretical contributions, Prof. Djoric is a practical expert, having served as a consultant for major international organisations such as the United Nations, OSCE, and the Council of Europe. Her commitment to education is evident in her role as a visiting professor at Charles University in Prague and her authorship of manuals designed to help schoolteachers recognise and prevent radicalisation in students.
Main Concepts and Topics
The book is structured into four primary segments, each meticulously deconstructing the multifaceted nature of violence in the region.
- The “Balkan” Identity and Political Constructs. Djoric begins by addressing the demonisation of the word “Balkans,” which is often associated with blood, conflict, and the “narcissism of small differences”. She investigates the term’s etymology, showing a potential origin in the Persian-Turkish word “balk” (mud) and the diminutive suffix “an,” which metaphorically implies the “living mud” in which the region’s inhabitants have endured for centuries. A key focus is the term “Western Balkans,” which she identifies as a political construct rather than a geographical reality. This region, which includes Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Albania, is commonly regarded as the “EU waiting room,” a state of “Otherness” that is perceived as insufficiently European by the West and insufficiently Oriental by the East.
- The Phenomenology of Extremism and Radicalisation. The author defines extremism as behaviour or opinion on the border of the permissible, with a toxic value system that undermines the rule of law. She provides a comprehensive framework for understanding radicalisation as an individual process, categorised by “push,” “pull,” and individual factors. To explain this concept for students, she employs two illustrative metaphors: radicalisation as a “brainwashing” procedure and as a “staircase” in which only individuals reaching the tenth level fully transition into terrorism. The book also delves into contemporary trends, such as the “individualisation” of extremism through “lone wolves”. Djoric warns of the influence of modern technology, specifically the use of drones and 3D-printed weapons, which allow extremists to operate without traditional organisational structures.
- Gender Roles and Vulnerable Groups. One of the book’s most significant contributions is its gender-sensitive approach. Djoric challenges the prejudice that extremism is a “male phenomenon,” identifying three roles for women: victims, perpetrators, and mothers. She highlights the “4Rs” that drive women toward terrorist organisations: Revenge, Redemption, Respect, and Relationship. Her analysis of mothers as a “security bastion” is insightful; they can either prevent or incite their children toward violence if they are radicalised. Furthermore, the book includes a detailed case study of the radicalisation of the Roma community in Serbia. Djoric identifies a “quiet radicalisation” driven by economic marginalisation and a need for respect, often exploited by pro-Wahhabi Salafists who provide financial aid and a sense of belonging to those living on the margins of society.
- Hooliganism and the Synthesis of Sports and Politics The latter half of the monograph examines hooliganism, which Djoric distinguishes from sincere fandom. She attributes the genesis of the “British illness” to the 1960s, while also noting the evolution of Balkan hooliganism into a unique combination of organised crime and political influence. In the Western Balkans, hooligan groups are often “linked to some political circles by steel chains,” serving as instruments for political showdowns. Djoric has identified a concerning trend: the penetration of extremist ideologies into martial arts and airsoft clubs, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In these settings, military training and religious indoctrination (specifically Wahhabism) are blended under the guise of sporting activities, creating potential unofficial armed forces.
- Historical and Psychopathological Perspectives The book concludes with an unusual historical case study comparing the “Sokol” movement and “Young Bosnia,” illustrating the long-standing synthesis of sports and politics in the region. Djoric provides a modern perspective on the correlation between mental health and terrorism, concluding that while “lone wolves” show higher rates of disorders like schizophrenia or depression, there is no evidence that terrorists are universally “mentally ill”; rather, their actions are often rationally motivated by political goals.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr Marija Djoric has produced a work of “permanent actuality” that skilfully fills a significant scientific void. Extremism and Hooliganism in the Western Balkans is marked by a clear, accessible style that makes it suitable for both academic specialists and the wider public. By navigating the “invisible borders” constructed of archetypes, memories, and emotions, Djoric provides more than just a security analysis; she offers a profound look into the soul of the Balkans.
For young scholars, but also for analysts and people interested in understanding more and better the Balkans, this monograph is a must-read, as Djoric encourages them to regard the pursuit of knowledge concerning extremism as a “search for the Holy Grail”—a difficult but rewarding journey.
In essence, the book functions as both a cautionary tale and a manual, promoting collaborative regional efforts, and the strengthening of families and communities to avert the perilous realities threatening the “beautiful and terrifying” Balkans. It is a significant academic success that provides the necessary tools to understand and, hopefully, mitigate the cycle of violence in Southeastern Europe.
To understand the volatile dynamics of this region, one must look past the physical borders to the mental “staircases” individuals climb toward radicalisation. Prof. Djoric’s work provides the map for this perilous journey.
