(2006-0206-F) Ring Around Serbia - International Public Information initiative

The materials in FOIA 2006-0206-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA request 2006-0206-F contains materials from the Automated Records Management System (ARMS) Emails and the NSC Cable, Email, and Records Management Systems. “Ring Around Serbia” refers to a ring of FM transmitters that were placed in countries bordering Serbia in an effort to counter the state-controlled media of Slobodan Milosevic. These transmitters became fully operational by October 1999 and they played a major role in the eventual downfall of the Serbian dictator. The ARMS Emails provide basic, rudimentary information about the “Ring Around Serbia.” There are telcon notes and emails that describe in broad terms the effort on the part of the United States and its allies to broadcast Serbian language programming into Serbia. These records don’t offer much in the way of detail or insight. The NSC Cable, Email, and Records Management Systems form the substantive core of this collection. Cables, emails, outlines, memos, and memcons show how pivotal the “Ring Around Serbia” was in the strategic campaign devised by NATO to bring about regime change in Serbia. Weaning public support away from Milosevic comprised an integral part in the overall plan finally adopted by the members of this organization.