The World

You might think authoritarian political regimes aren’t very good for art. But Serbian rock star Rambo Amadeus says tyranny gives art purpose and energy. Back in the 90’s, he was a leading cultural critic of Slobodan Milosevic, using music and satire to focus public anger against the Serbian strongman. But now, nearly ten years after the fall of Milosevic, Rambo Amadeus says cultural life in Serbia has run out of steam. Matthew Brunwasser has today’s global hit from Belgrade.

Will you support The World?

The story you just read is not locked behind a paywall because listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Now more than ever, we need your help to support our global reporting work and power the future of The World. Can we count on you?