The purpose of this study is to ascertain and explain the effectiveness of Roma political
activism in contesting state oppression in Macedonia and Serbia. More specifically, this
thesis seeks to investigate the divergent treatment of Roma communities in the
respective states by analyzing the role of state institutions, civil society, political parties
and international organizations. The thesis seeks to provide a multi-level analysis of
Roma mobilization in Macedonia and Serbia by addressing the domestic and
international factors that influence Roma political activism, and relies on two main
theoretical concepts within the social movement literature: the Political Opportunity
Structure (POS) model and ‗transnational advocacy networks.‘
The POS model is a comprehensive framework to assess if Roma political activism has
been effective in Macedonia and Serbia. This study uses the following components to
describe the domestic factors that may facilitate or constrain Romani activism in the
respective states: state repression and/or facilitation, institutional access, influential
domestic and international allies. This thesis attempts to provide a detailed analysis of
movement dynamics by taking into account the inter-relationship between actors and
contesting groups. The limitations of the domestic opportunity structure regarding Roma
advocacy in Macedonia and Serbia are outlined by describing the political context
concerning minority inclusion, institutional mechanisms, and NGO/political party
activities.
As domestic opportunity structures are ‗closed,‘ Roma activists and NGOs seek
international allies to influence and change domestic policy on Roma inclusion. This
study, while recognizing the importance of other international initiatives, specifically
focuses on various institutions of the European Union as the main international actor
influencing Roma inclusion policies in Eastern Europe. The thesis outlines the main EU
initiatives on Roma inclusion to provide an overview of the opportunities and challenges
in the international arena. Furthermore, it analyzes the interaction between international
and civil society organizations assessing the effectiveness of the ‗transnational advocacy
networks.‘ Finally, the thesis provides a comparative analysis of Roma political activism
in Macedonia and Serbia, indicating coordinated action has not been successful.