What's happened
Croatia has seen a resurgence of far-right activity, including protests and incidents targeting ethnic Serbs and symbols linked to WWII fascism. Demonstrations in Zagreb and other cities oppose the spread of neo-fascist ideologies, amid concerns over government inaction and the influence of nationalist figures.
What's behind the headline?
Rising far-right activity in Croatia signals a significant shift in the country's political landscape. The resurgence of Ustasha symbols and nationalist slogans indicates a normalization of extremist rhetoric, which could deepen ethnic divisions. The government's denial of a spike in extremism appears increasingly disconnected from on-the-ground realities, risking further polarization. The popularity of figures like singer Marko Perkovic Thompson, who uses WWII-era slogans, underscores the challenge of confronting historical revisionism. If unchecked, these trends could lead to increased ethnic tensions and undermine Croatia's EU commitments to tolerance and democracy. The protests, while peaceful, highlight a broader societal struggle with confronting its past and preventing the normalization of fascist symbols.
What the papers say
France 24 reports on recent protests and incidents, highlighting the resurgence of far-right activities and nationalist demonstrations. AP News emphasizes the political context, noting the government's denial of extremism spikes and the influence of nationalist figures like Thompson. The Independent provides detailed accounts of clashes and the societal fears of ethnic violence, illustrating the deep-rooted tensions and the potential for escalation. All sources agree that Croatia's far-right movement is gaining visibility, but differ in their assessment of government response and the implications for stability.
How we got here
Croatia's current political climate is shaped by a history of conflict and nationalist movements. The country joined the EU in 2013 and NATO in 2009, but recent years have seen a rise in far-right groups and nationalist sentiments. Incidents targeting ethnic Serbs and the use of pro-Nazi symbols reflect ongoing tensions rooted in the 1990s war and historical divisions.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Causing the Rise of Far-Right Tensions in Croatia?
Croatia is currently experiencing a surge in far-right activity, including protests and incidents targeting ethnic Serbs and symbols linked to WWII fascism. This rise raises questions about what’s fueling these tensions, how the government is responding, and what it means for Croatia’s future stability. Below, we explore the key issues behind this troubling trend and what it could mean for the country and its people.
-
Are Natural Disasters Linked to Geopolitical Tensions?
Recent natural disasters like floods and storms are often seen as purely environmental events, but many experts are exploring how these crises might be connected to broader geopolitical issues. From climate change exacerbating conflicts to disaster response impacting political stability, understanding these links can help us better prepare and respond. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the connection between natural disasters and global tensions.
-
What’s Next in Global Naval & Political Tensions?
Recent developments in the Black Sea and beyond highlight a complex web of military and political tensions. From Russian naval activity and Ukraine’s strategic drone strikes to rising far-right movements in Croatia, the global landscape is shifting rapidly. Curious about what these events mean for international security? Below, we explore key questions about upcoming risks, potential escalations, and how different countries are responding to these tense situations.
More on these topics
-
Croatia, officially the Republic of Croatia, is a country in Southeast Europe. It borders Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to the southeast, sharing a maritime border with Ital
-
Zagreb is the capital and the largest city of Croatia. It is located in the northwest of the country, along the Sava river, at the southern slopes of the Medvednica mountain. Zagreb lies at an elevation of approximately 122 m above sea level.
The estimate