WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Endowment for Democracy’s International Forum for Democratic Studies has released a new report, “The Struggle Against Authoritarian Influence in the Western Balkans: Montenegro as a Test Case“ by anti-corruption expert Vanja Ćalović Marković. The report will be launched with an online event in September.
Due to its size, the country of Montenegro has become an ideal testing ground for authoritarian actors that are seeking to influence political institutions and decision-making through relatively modest investments. In the Forum’s new report, Marković outlines these rapidly evolving strategies, their global and regional implications, and how democratic institutions can combat authoritarian interference.
Examples of evolving authoritarian methods featured in the report include:
- Potential CCP land-capture via debt: In 2014, Montenegro’s government took out a loan from the Chinese state Export-Import Bank for highway construction. Initially set at $94 million, the project’s actual cost and repayments are expected to exceed 25 percent of Montenegro’s gross domestic product. Montenegro agreed to interpret the contract based on Chinese laws, with potential arbitration taking place in Beijing, where the judicial system is subservient to the Chinese Communist Party. The contract specifies that Montenegrin territory could be seized as a result of arbitration proceedings.
- Russian election influence: The Democratic Front, a pro-Russian Montenegrin political entity, signed cooperation agreements with Russia’s ruling party, United Russia, resulting in increased cooperation between the two groups and heightened suspicions concerning the Democratic Front’s financial backing. Following the alleged 2016 parliamentary coup attempt, Montenegrin prosecutors charged numerous individuals with plotting to overthrow the government violently, among them Democratic Front leaders. Allegations emerged that the effort received Russian funding and was linked to Russian intelligence agents.
- Serbian-Russian infiltration of media: Serbian authorities exert influence in Montenegro’s information sphere through the control of telecommunications infrastructure and a significant telecommunications market share. For example, M-tel, part of Serbia’s state-owned Serbian Telekom, provides mobile and fixed-line phone services, internet, and cable and satellite television. Their television packages include Serbian channels that are widely recognized by press freedom advocates as engines of malign influence and pro-Russian propaganda.
To respond to these and other evolving threats to democracy, the report outlines five strategies grounded in Montenegrin civil society and democratic institutions. These include developing early warning systems and response plans; strengthening transparency, accountability, and electoral integrity; investing in sustained long-term monitoring and exposure of threats; cooperation with journalists to enhance capacity, outreach, and communication; and building global coalitions around shared democratic values.
Members of the press interested in additional details can contact National Endowment for Democracy Press Secretary Carolyn Stewart at carolyns@ned.org.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vanja Ćalović Marković is the Executive Director of MANS, a nongovernmental organization that counters corruption and organized crime in Montenegro. She is also a member of the Balkan Trust for Democracy’s advisory board and has worked for the Government of Montenegro’s Council for Fighting High Level Corruption, among other positions both in government as well as various civil society organizations.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR DEMOCRATIC STUDIES
The International Forum for Democratic Studies at the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a leading center for analysis and discussion of the theory and practice of democracy around the world. The Forum complements NED’s core mission—assisting civil society groups abroad in their efforts to foster and strengthen democracy—by linking the academic community with activists from across the globe. Through its multifaceted activities, the Forum responds to challenges facing countries around the world by analyzing opportunities for democratic transition, reform, and consolidation.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY
The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is an independent, nonprofit, grant-making foundation dedicated to the development and strengthening of democratic institutions around the world. With an annual appropriation from Congress, NED funds more than 2,000 grants in 100 countries. NED’s grants program is augmented by the International Forum for Democratic Studies; the World Movement for Democracy; and the Center for International Media Assistance.