DODIK: WHY IS TRUMP’S RETURN GOOD NEWS?

BANJA LUKA, JANUARY 17 /SRNA/ - The President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, emphasized that the return of the new-old U.S. President, Donald Trump, to power, signals a shift back to a policy based on national interest, sovereignty, and realpolitik.

"After a long time, we now have indications in Washington that the false narrative of a distorted liberal world will come to an end and that the reality of a mutually respected world will prevail," President Dodik wrote in an op-ed for Glas Srpske, which SRNA is publishing in full: This is an important step that will make the world more ready to listen to voices like the one from Republika Srpska, for which the unipolar world has been deaf due to its own arrogance, hubris, and troubled history. Instead of being the subject of experiments of globalist policies, Trump's approach offers an opportunity for a more equal dialogue. During his first term, Donald Trump demonstrated an understanding of the complex political relations in the world, including the Balkans. His return opens the space for strengthening cooperation with the United States based on mutual respect. Republika Srpska welcomes the new administration because they share the values of sovereignty and the understanding that successful states respect, defend, and under no circumstances relinquish their sovereignty. Republika Srpska wants nothing more for the Serbs in Republika Srpska than what the American voters wanted when they overwhelmingly elected Donald Trump and returned to the global agenda the right of citizens to have control over their lives. Republika Srpska has been attacked, disputed, belittled, and undermined for decades, all with the goal of destroying what Europe was built upon: Christian values and the aspiration of every nation in Europe to decide for itself and its development. The policy of Republika Srpska in recent years, which has fostered partnerships with sovereignist political forces across Europe, proves to be correct. At this moment, Republika Srpska has some of the most influential politicians in Europe as its friends, which is evidence of its courage and vitality, based on correct anticipation and vision. STABILITY FOR EUROPE Trump's stance on the European Union as a confederation of sovereign states, rather than a superstate, brings a new wave of stability to Europe. The weakening of the bureaucratic approach in favor of national interests allows member states, as well as those that are not EU members, like Republika Srpska, to define their priorities. This means that Europe will have the opportunity to reassess its direction, bringing decision-making closer to the citizens. For Republika Srpska, this creates an environment where its interests can be better protected and where open discussions about the needs of its people can take place. In such a context, the political autonomy and independence of Republika Srpska can be more than just a concept - it can become an example for other regions seeking similar models of balance between the local and the global. STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC PATRIOTISM Donald Trump is known for promoting economic patriotism, a policy that prioritizes the interests of workers and national economies. For Republika Srpska and the broader region, this means the opportunity for cooperation on infrastructure projects and attracting investments that are not conditioned by political concessions. There have been too many examples where the former U.S. administration, through its lackeys who regularly visited their ambassadors, blocked economic projects for absurd and petty reasons - projects that could have brought tens of thousands of jobs to the region. Economic patriotism is the healthiest foundation for international relations. The new administration has the opportunity to demonstrate a different approach, enabling development and cooperation based on mutual respect and interests. Such a model not only supports local communities but also contributes to global stability by strengthening mutual trust. WORLD WITH LESS CONFLICT Trump's pragmatic approach to international conflicts, which favors negotiations over interventions, could bring stability to regions like the Balkans. His policy, focused on peacefully resolving conflicts and withdrawing from unnecessary military adventures, opens up space for a lasting resolution of political issues in the Balkans. Republika Srpska can benefit from such an approach, as it emphasizes agreements between local actors rather than externally imposed solutions. Therefore, international interventionism must cease as a precondition for local agreements. A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR THE FUTURE The rise of Donald Trump to power is not just a political event, but a symbol of new hope for a world that respects differences and values the interests of all nations. Republika Srpska, the Balkans, Europe, and the world can benefit from a leader who believes in sovereignty, dialogue, and economic justice. In this historical moment, it is important to recognize the opportunities that this change brings and use them for the benefit of all citizens.