In a first for Small World Big Problems, this week we interviewed a sitting head of state: Jakov Milatović, the 37-year-old president of Montenegro.

Milatović was elected in May of 2023 on a pro-European Union, pro-democracy, and anti-corruption platform that has received record-breaking support from the people of Montenegro. In an era of weakening democracy and growing isolationism around the world, Montenegro has proven to be an exception to the rule. But why are these values important to everyday Montenegrins, and how do ongoing threats—like disinformation and organized crime—endanger the progress that has been made so far?

Sitting down with President Milatović was a fantastic opportunity, and we thank him for his time.

Special thanks also go to Ed Joseph, Brent Kesler, and the SAIS Foreign Policy Institute for arranging the interview.

This episode was researched, hosted, and edited by Eli George, with audio support from the staff at the JHU Bloomberg Center Media Suite.