The book is not a traditional novel or historical study. Instead, it is structured as a series of reflections, observations, and "rules" that Bulatović claims to have learned during his rise to power, his time as a leader, and his eventual fall from grace. The title suggests a focus on strategic discretion, the unspoken codes of political behavior, and the personal cost of silence in public life.
Bulatović critiques European and American diplomatic efforts, characterizing them as a "Western movie" scenario where "good guys" and "bad guys" were pre-determined regardless of their actual deeds. Montenegrina.net Publication Details PRAVILA ĆUTANJA - Momir Bulatović - MAMUT
Key thematic pillars of the book include:
: Discuss the book's title—what were the "rules" he felt forced to follow, and why did he choose to break them in 2004?
The phrase "Rules of Silence" is ironic. Bulatović spent his career speaking, yet the book argues that silence—strategic, oppressive silence—is the true language of dictatorship.
Easily find mentions of specific figures like Radovan Karadžić or Richard Holbrooke.
: Bulatović reflects on the identity shifts in Montenegro and how historical narratives were politicized to cement ethno-cultural identities during the statehood debates. Reading Online and PDF Access
