Slavica Ratković-Kostić, PhD: Europeanization of Serbian Armed Forces from 1878 to 1903

In the book Europeanization of the Serbian Army from 1878 to 1903 Dr. Slavica Ratkovic-Kostic writes about the problems that were present during the development of the Serbian Army from 1878 until 1903. She points out the existence, activities and weaknesses of the National (public) army in order to emphasize the need for its Europeanization and modernization. The law on the Army of 1883, which was adopted based on Serbia’s own war experience, insights obtained from large armies during the previous wars in Europe, and contemporary theoretical knowledge in the field of military arts. It was adjusted to the real needs and abilities of the country at a time when Serbia had become equal with other Balkan countries, as well as with the majority of European countries. The law created a mixed system, in which the regular staff was filled with the reserve corps up to war formation. The legislators not only sought to modernize the Army according to European standards, but also to strengthen the ruler’s trust in the Army that could ensure stability for him and the dynasty. By explaining the meaning of the words modernization and europeanization, Ratkovic-Kostic also defined the reach that was gained in the Serbian Army. In the conclusion, she describes the role of the Army in the May Coup d’état of 1903, when the Army opposed the Obrenovic dynasty, in spite of the fact that they formed the Army in order to transform it into a powerful weapon for securing national and political aims.