Антисръбската политика на Михаил II Асен - 1253–1254 г.
Michael II Asen’s Anti-Serb policy

Summary/Abstract: After the first half of the XIII c. relations between Bulgaria and Serbia went in another direction, a battle for supremacy. Bulgaria had already lost influence over Serbia. Michael II Asen knowing that he should quickly and adequately find way out came up with the only solution to the Serbian problem, conquering the Serbian kingdom. Michael II Asen knowing that he should quickly and adequately find way out came up with the only solution to the Serbian problem, conquering the Serbian kingdom. Michael Asen sought an ally in Dubrovnik. The two countries signed a treaty on 15 June 1253, joint military actions against Serbia, apart from trading relations, were also included. Military terms were dictated by the need to seek assistance against the Serbian king Stefan Uroš who did not hide his intentions for territorial gains in both countries. The course of events shows the intentions and resources of the Bulgarian tsardom in the middle of XII c. The unsuccessful foreign policy of the young Bulgarian tsar becomes an indicator of the kingdom’s weakness, but at the same time clearly outlines the intentions of the Bulgarian court, toward the Serbian state, in particular. The notion that Serbia belongs to the Bulgarian crown is brought to light in the strained relations on the Balkans and the territorial losses suffered. Bulgaria’s complicated relations with its neighbors, all fighting to split Bulgarian territories, provoked Michael II Asen to abandon his desire to take over Serbia through diplomatic means and take to military action. This turning point in the Bulgaria-Serbia relations comes about because of the complex political situation in Southeast Europe in the mid-XIII century, consistent with the goals of both countries toward realizing their political intentions.

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