For over a decade, the phrase "We are returning to the nineties" has resonated in Serbia, yet the recollection of that decade does not evoke positive feelings within the country. The 1990s in Serbia were marked by significant turmoil and hardship. This recurring sentiment suggests a fear of repeating past conflicts and economic struggles. The international fascination with the 1990s, seemingly driven by nostalgia, contrasts sharply with the Serbian experience. This disconnect highlights a critical difference in how the decade is perceived globally versus within Serbia, where it represents a period of national trauma. The ongoing discussion within Serbia underlines a collective anxiety about potential regression.