Montenegro is at a historical turning point, facing the profound challenges of political corruption, growing economic inequality, and a slow path towards the European Union. At this complex moment, valuable inspiration is provided by the theoretical frameworks from the book "The Narrow Corridor" by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson, as well as the experience of the Italian movement "Movimento 5 Stelle", which have shown how citizens, through organized and decisive action, can trigger a wave of social change.
1. Lessons from "The Narrow Corridor"
Acemoglu and Robinson explain that freedom and prosperity only arise where there is a balance between a strong state and an active, organized society. Without this balance, societies fall into despotism or anarchy. During a long period of one-party rule, Montenegro slid towards a captive state model - with a party controlling all institutions and subordinating public interest to private goals. After the change of government in 2020, the country entered a new state - a state of institutional disorientation and functional impotence, where the government changes, but systemic problems deepen.
In this context, "society" should not be understood as an amorphous mass of people but as a structured network of citizens, organizations, media, initiatives and communities that articulate demands for accountability, justice, reform and protection of the public interest. The strength of society lies in its ability to organize collectively, to exert pressure and to act as a corrective to political power. Freedom, as Acemoglu and Robinson argue, can only survive where the state has the capacity to act in the public interest, but is at the same time under the constant supervision of an organized society that knows what it wants and knows how to demand it.
2. Inspiration from the "Movimento 5 Stelle"
The Italian movement "Movimento 5 Stelle", founded in 2009, emerged as a response to chronic political corruption, clientelism and the distance of institutions from citizens. This movement has successfully used digital technologies to enable citizens to participate directly in the political process. Through digital platforms and online voting, they have managed to mobilize broad sections of society and enter institutions without relying on traditional party structures.
Although they later faced challenges of institutionalization and compromise, the M5S experience shows how a grassroots movement, guided by clear anti-corruption and democratic principles, can change the political dynamics of a country. For Montenegro, this experience can serve as a model for thinking about how citizens, outside of established political channels, can create a new political reality.
3. Why Montenegro needs a new social movement
Montenegro today finds itself between a past marked by captive institutions and a present marked by political chaos and dysfunction. In this vacuum, it is necessary to form an authentic, civic and anti-establishment movement that will:
Consistently oppose political corruption and party monopoly;
Promote sustainable development and economic justice;
Provide a platform for social solidarity, intergenerational and regional justice;
To advocate uncompromisingly for European integration and the rule of law.
This movement would not be just another political party, but a dynamic social force, rooted in the principles of direct democracy, civic participation and complete transparency.
4. Key strategies for action
Digital mobilization: using the internet, social networks and digital platforms for information, consultation and joint decision-making.
Local initiatives: civic forums, public debates and thematic workshops across the country as a way of decentralized political awakening.
Radical transparency: these decisions, activities and finances must be available to the public in real time.
Civic education: systematic education of citizens about their rights, ways of political action, and the importance of institutional integrity.
Instead of a conclusion:
It is time for the citizens of Montenegro, exhausted by empty promises, symbolic divisions and party calculations, to take the initiative into their own hands. Inspired by contemporary political theories and concrete practices from other countries, we can begin building a social movement that will transcend party boundaries, bring about concrete changes and build a political space worthy of the 21st century. Montenegro still has a chance to find its "narrow corridor" to freedom, but only if society - not just the state - decides to do so.
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