Interview with Prof.Zhelko Yovich

Why did you choose to become a political scientist? Why did you want to delve deeper into the topic of “ecological and energy” security?

The breadth that in the scientific sense is covered by political science (of which only the seminary is wider in scope), and especially international relations, actually persuaded me to crown my love for history, philosophy, sociology and some other interesting scientific fields to enroll the Faculty of Political Sciences and start the path for becoming a political scientist, followed by a master’s degree and a doctorate in political science.

During the later years of studying, sublimating what I had learned with new perspectives and while focusing on geopolitics and geostrategy, I specifically opted for energy and environmental security. Unfortunately, I was right, because more than 20 years ago I understood the importance of energy sources for the national security of the country, as well as the magnitude of the environmental problem and the contemporary ecological crisis we are living through.

Can we save our planet from an ecological catastrophe and how?

Man used to fear and respect the nature, and in that period he lived in harmony with it. Today, when we, humans think that we are the smartest and that we have mastered this same nature, the degree of its devastation is disturbing, as are the estimates in which direction it is going. 

In addition to all the measures that are applied, if we want to save the planet for other generations, and in addition to the basic and much-needed unity – a clearly defined common position on what to do and the consistent application of agreed measures, the most important factor is the education of young people. Starting from the family, through primary and secondary school, to university, we must work intensively on educating our children, on their understanding of how to live with nature in partnership, how to give nature a chance to spare humans.

Because, in the end, nature is the one who decides upon our fate. One large volcanic eruption, some other global natural disaster, the continuation of climate changes, which could potentially be radicalized, can negatively change the fate of humanity, and even lead to its complete destruction. But with dedicated work, faith in a better and happier future, daily learning and dedicated application of what has been learned, it is possible to achieve an ecologically acceptable existence of people on the planet, a peaceful and functional coexistence of man and nature.

How do you understand the expression “social justice” and does such a thing exist? What qualities and skills can a person use to succeed in this life? Today, the topic of social justice is discussed much more than it really is present in our society. It is primarily a product of modern life, where its main characteristic has become the material side. Of course, one cannot be non-objective and insist that life continues the way we were used to, without money and without that material side, but the problem is that this material side obtained a priority dimension.

We don’t think that much about each other, egoism has become far more pronounced and aggressive in our lives, and it has inevitably led to alienation, distancing of people from each other. We, here in our beautiful Balkans, still have the possibility to sincerely laugh, joke, but also cry and express a range of emotions that are somewhat forgotten and degraded in some highly developed parts of modern world.

The recipe for a good and peaceful life, according to my views and principles, is kindness, love, dedicated and diligent work, and most importantly, family. It should be our anchor when the sea is excessively rough, but also our wind when it is necessary to sail through life.

Are you an Orthodox Christian? Can a politician be religious, doesn’t that contradict the commandment “Thou shalt not bear false witness“»?

With your question, you just suggested that a politician cannot be a moral person. I will only remind you that since ancient times, the time of Plato and Aristotle, politics were defined through the general interest, the interest of the community, which was seen through its virtue. Yes, today we are witnessing that very negative phenomena and patterns are running through the sphere of politics all over the planet, and that corruption, violence, and authoritarianism are connected to it.

But, in fact, each of us is the creator of his own happiness. Each of us lives his life according to his own criteria and standards. From there, I firmly believe that it is not only possible, but also very necessary for a modern politician to be deeply religious, or at least a deeply moral person, and to, using his personal example, show others where and how to go. Without beliving that this is possible, I would not be who I am, nor would I believe in the path I am walking.

Can a woman succeed in politics and in governing a country? By nature we are quite more emotional than men and “should” we obey them? First of all, I infinitely love and respect my mother, my sister and my spouse, as well as all other women, whom I consider to be truly a more valuable part of humanity, whom I admire for their specific strength and that very emotion they carry within themselves and which, unlike men are not ashamed to show. Modern life has given rise to the emancipation of women, with the exception of some parts of the world where, for religious or cultural-traditional reasons, women are still viewed as a lower beings.

This emancipation showed that the woman who remained a lady, the backbone of the family and a pillar of society, is very capable of tackling even the most difficult state affairs, from leading the state and the army itself with at least the same, if not greater, enthusiasm and strength than a man would do. In this sense, I am a great opponent of those who want women to be subordinate to them.

We should not deserve our place in society by muscle strength, gender or other physical characteristics, but by the wisdom we possess, abilities and virtues that adorn us.

What basic life rules did you teach your sons?

Exactly what I was talking about. To be good people, to love and defend their country and their people, at the same time loving and embracing all the people of the world, regardless of skin color, nationality or religion. To learn, to build their place under the sun with diligent and honest work, with faith in God. 

Is there happiness in money and what is happiness for You?

I have already partly answered this question by pointing out that in modern society it is not possible to live in the way we were used to, without having a sufficient amount of money. The essence is only in understanding that in everything, even in dealing with money, a measure is necessary. Therefore, knowing where the border is.

For me, happiness is that I am able to stand calmly in front of my parents without any remorse, knowing that they will never feel shame because of me and my actions, but on the contrary, only be proud. For me, happiness is that we are healthy, that with my work I contribute to the progress and normal life of my family, that I am surrounded by my family, friends and people who think like me. Everything else is an upgrade.

What quality do you value in people and which do you hate?

I think I have already given a pretty clear answer to this question… In order to respect someone, he (she) must have a big heart, must be hardworking, honest and open. I don’t hate anyone, but I avoid the company of selfish people, who are the center of the world for themselves, who are non-working people and liars.

 What can you forgive in a person and what can you not?

God teaches us to forgive everything and everyone. Of course, no one is ideal, including myself, but I try to forgive no matter how angry I am, and my exposed temperament.

Is there a historical figure who inspires you?

There are many great people both from our Serbian history and from the world, who with their work set an example for all of us in different fields, and I often draw ideas and strength from there.

Do you have a dream that has not yet come true?

Everything I’ve done and achieved so far, I achieved because I dreamed. A man without imagination and dreams will get nowhere. But the condition for the realization of dreams is exactly what I have underlined on several occasions, diligent and planned work, and self-denial.

What is your favorite book and which book would you recommend to me and my readers?

My favorite book from my boyhood and school days is “Hajduk Stanko”, which tells about the difficult times in which my people fought for freedom, in which, even in the most difficult moments, the most important things were love, strength of spirit, faith in God, human kindness and honesty. I also really like the book of our great Nobelist Ivo Andrić, “Bridge on the Drina”, from which you can also learn a lot about our Balkan mentality and about the virtues and flaws of man. I recommend both books to you. During my student days I certainly enjoyed Henry Kissinger, Zbignew Brzezinski, Paul Kennedy, Samuel Huntington and other great minds of geopolitics and geostrategy, and from the field of international relations. Bearing in mind that in their lives, their ideas and ways of thinking greatly influenced the foreign policies of the great powers, I recommend them as well, because even today they can provide answers to many current questions.

When you meet God what will you tell him?

I will ask him to forgive me, like any sinner, for my earthly sins, and above all, the fact that I did not have the strength to be even better and braver.