Nation 4.0*: The transformative force in Serbia

The internet has become the stage where a new Serbian nation is unfolding, one that is unburdened by the past, focused on the future, and built on a community of diversity rather than divisions. The national flag no longer serves as a symbol of exclusion but instead represents inclusivity, unity, and shared aspirations. For too long, nationalism in the region has been framed through historical grievances and ethnic divisions, but a new generation is rewriting the narrative.

And who’s leading the charge? The so-called digital natives, i.e. the generation often criticised as self-absorbed, glued to their screens, and indifferent to broader political realities. And yet, these young people have proven most of us wrong! Far from being passive spectators, they have taken the wheel, steering the nation toward a future rooted in the very pillars of Serbian identity but without the burdens of ethnocentrism and exclusion.

These young people have achieved what once seemed unimaginable: Serbs, Bosniaks, and members of other ethnic communities standing side by side, praying together, and fighting for common goals. In doing so, they have redefined nationalism – not as an instrument of division, but as a vehicle for solidarity and justice.

They are proving that nationhood can mean equal citizenship rather than an identity built on exclusion and hostility towards ‘the other’. Their vision aligns with Benedict Anderson’s concept of an ‘imagined community’, one bound not by ethnicity or religion but by a deep, horizontal comradeship.

Their nationalism is expressed through love and support for their colleagues and friends, regardless of ethnic, religious, or social background. It is a force that unites, a movement that rallies around shared ideals of freedom, justice, and dignity for all. This shift is not merely symbolic; it is tangible in the way young people engage in activism, challenge oppressive structures, and reclaim national symbols from the clutches of populist manipulation.

Perhaps the most powerful manifestation of this transformation is the flag itself. The national flag is finally back where it belongs – with the people. For too long, it was used and abused by populists as a tool of manipulation. No longer an emblem of exclusion, it once again stands for the unity of diverse but free-thinking individuals who refuse to be trapped by the past. It represents a Serbia that is inclusive, forward-looking, and built on mutual respect.

This new nation, one we could once only dream about, is emerging in real time, right before our eyes, both on the streets and online. Digital tools have proved to be a powerful force in gathering a critical community, despite censorship in mainstream media. The wave of change is impossible to ignore, and it keeps growing.

Nation 4.0 is not just a dream – it is a reality in the making, led by a generation that understands that true patriotism is not about who you exclude but about who you stand beside.

*The term ‘Nation 4.0’ is a reference to ‘Industry 4.0,’ the Fourth Industrial Revolution, characterised by digital transformation, automation, and interconnectedness. The author was inspired by this concept to describe the way a new Serbian nation is emerging, shaped by digital tools, collective engagement, and a renewed sense of unity.