Escape from the Agora to the Garden in the contemporary Balkans

Abstract

In my presentation, I plan to discuss a contemporary phenomenon that is increasingly noticeable—an attenuated interest in public and political affairs in the modern Balkans. I aim to draw parallels with ancient times to highlight historical patterns and contrasts. The elections in the western Balkans over the past decade have seen an average turnout of approximately 50%. The low participation can be attributed to a prevailing belief among citizens that elections bring about little change. Consequently, a significant portion of the population chooses to abstain from active engagement in public affairs.

I believe that the foundation and explanation for this disinterest can be found in the ancient philosophical tradition, more precisely, in the Epicurean school. Namely, Epicurus organized his school in the garden outside the city walls, which aimed to be completely independent and self-sufficient. Epicurus attitude towards political activity (that can be subsumed under maxim “live unnoticed”) was completely different from his famous predecessors. Aristotle, for example, believed that an individual could attain self-realization only within the political community. Plato would agree with Aristotle; and even apart from the philosophical schools, individuals from aristocratic families typically embraced comparable viewpoints.

A parallel can be drawn between the political landscapes of ancient Greece following the conquests of Alexander the Great and the present-day political scenario in the Balkans, which find themselves in the waiting room for Europe. In both cases, a common feature is the erosion of trust in political institutions. In times of political collapse, the attention transitions from the Agora to the Garden, mirroring the historical example of ancient Greece where ordinary individuals sought to safeguard their lives by withdrawing from active social involvement. Being repeatedly disappointed by their political representatives, the individuals from the Balkans retreat into their shells or niches, seeking peace and wellbeing in their own microcosm.