In 1984, George Orwell came up with the concept of “double-think” which is the acceptance of two contradictory beliefs simultaneously. Those who have been following the current protests in Serbia through statements from officials and media close to the government are currently practising this skill, as they are expected to accept two truths at once – that the West is trying to overthrow President Vučić, and that the West supports President Vučić.
The first “truth”, that the West is trying to overthrow the President and the Government in Serbia, has been circulated for several months since the protests began after the collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad. This is nothing new – the whole narrative has been heard many times, especially during the anti-government protests that seem to be occurring more frequently and with increasing intensity in Serbia.
