“Do Not Use the G-Word”

This chapter analyzes the perception of threat and the nature of Serbian decision-makers’ relations with BiH, with a particular focus on the Bosniak population, using the outlined theoretical and methodological framework. It distinguishes between different periods based on the dominant perception of relations (enemy/rival/partner/friend), categorizes Serbia’s actions in this context into the different ideal types of stigma-management strategies, and elaborates the outcomes of their application. Finally, by combining insights from analysis of the relative importance of this stage, with the analysis of the perception of threats, this chapter evaluates whether the strategies employed align with the destigmatization dilemma model, summarizing all variations at its conclusion. The chapter spotlights the importance of avoiding the genocide label for Serbian decision-makers.