The situation in Montenegro, after the adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion, has become part of the propaganda and disinformation campaign led by Russia, Michael Carpenter, former Pentagon official and current director of the Penn Biden Center, said in an interview for the Voice of America, adding that the Serbian Orthodox Church used as an instrument for the promotion of Russian and Serbian interests in the region. However, Carpenter points out that a dialogue with the Serbian Orthodox Church is necessary about the law, which, he believes, has caused further polarization in Montenegrin society.
The Law on Freedom of Religion deepens the divisions in Montenegro between, as Michael Carpenter says, those who declare themselves as Serbs and the rest of Montenegrin society.
"This is regrettable because Montenegro is one of the few examples of multi-ethnic democratic states, in which the situation was mostly peaceful after the separation from Serbia, but also before that. What is happening now - ethnic or religious tensions, call them what you will, should be carefully observed because it has the potential to shake things up in society," he told Voice of America.
The former Pentagon official observes the tensions that the adoption of the law caused between Montenegro and Serbia, and especially the harsh rhetoric of some Serbian officials, in the context of an election year in both countries. However, he says that the wider geopolitical aspect of the dispute should be taken into account.
"SPC was used as a tool of "soft power" to promote Serbian and Russian interests in the region. The rights of all religious communities should be taken into account, property rights should be respected, but there is also that hybrid competition that takes place here behind the scenes".
When asked if he sees Russia's role in this, Carpenter replies that he sees that the situation is being manipulated in the Russian media and on social networks.
“Yes. I see that this situation is being manipulated in the Russian media and on social networks, I even saw that the Russian agency TASS reported that the USA was behind this law and that the American government allegedly forced the authorities in Montenegro to adopt the law - which is nonsense. But it shows that everything is politicized and everything becomes part of the propaganda and disinformation operation carried out by the Russian side. So, there is a clear Russian influence in opposing this law, as well as an attempt to show that the law has some connection with the West.
The problem with Russian propaganda and disinformation is that it very cleverly manipulates cultural and ethnic divisions, they use language receptive to certain parts of the population. Russian diplomats and politicians believe that they can try to manipulate the Serbian Orthodox Church in Montenegro or use it to achieve their goals. This does not mean that the SPC is complicit in this, but the Russians see it as a means to promote their interests."
And the hybrid competition, as Carpenter calls it, is reflected in propaganda, the spread of influence through like-minded organizations, the influx of dirty Russian money to achieve certain political goals, but also cyber attacks from Russia, which are more numerous in Montenegro than in any other country. another country in the region.
"Moscow has a clear interest in trying to undermine the current Montenegrin government. Which is not an excuse for everything the government is doing, and it is certain that there is still a lot of work to be done in improving the rule of law. But the fact is that Russia wants to replace the current government and for some more pro-Russian opposition groups to come to power. "
Through Montenegro, Moscow wants to weaken the NATO alliance, according to the director of the Penn Biden Center. He emphasizes, however, that despite the strong propaganda coming from foreign countries, media freedom in Montenegro must be protected at all costs.
"If Montenegro wants to ban Russia Today or Sputnik, that's one thing, but when local journalists are targeted - that's another thing. It is unacceptable and must not be tolerated.”
Michael Carpenter expects that Russia will continue to try to expand its influence in Montenegro through so-called soft power because, as he points out, he believes that he is at an advantage in the Western Balkans because America pays less attention to the region than before.
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