The Modernization of the Western Balkans

In accordance with the national strategic priorities of the Republic of Serbia concerning European integration, international relations and social and political transformation, we consider that it is of the utmost importance to continue work on the Modernization of the Western Balkans Project. The MWB project is concerned with the dynamics of the development of institutions and comparative studies of cultural history and political and cultural patterns. The paradigms that point to the reasons for the historical falling behind reflect the specific position of the Western Balkans in the important processes of modern history: Humanism and the Renaissance, the Reformation, Rationalism, the Enlightenment, industrialization, urbanization. In order to effect the advancement of state and society, Serbia will have to transform itself, with emphasis on the whole path of modernization that has already been completed by the more developed European societies. The research efforts of this project will be largely concentrated on the historical gaps, uncertainties and patterns which unite the whole area. In its final phase, at regional conferences and in its concluding synthesis, the MWB project will offer an interpretation that will take its place in the concept of macro-history, the origin of which was influenced by the breakdown in international relations over the past two decades, which prompted the study of the phenomenon of the global success of European civilization.