Ethnicity, boundaries, and nationalism in a "European" Croatia

Despite the E.U.'s attempts to create a sense of European homogeneity between its members, issues of nationality and identity continue to play a vital role in both its function and expansion. This research examines the shifting role that the nation plays in Croatia's transition to the European Union. Employing discourse analysis of state documents and online surveys of Croatian youth, this study analyzes the role of the state in perpetuating an image of stability and westward thinking toward greater Europe; identifies the perspective young Croatian adults have on European integration; gauges the importance of nationalism for a post-socialist generation; and demonstrates that although tensions remain, national relationships are improving between Croatia and its neighbors. Additionally, this research reveals the effect that perceived cultural and historical boundaries between Southeastern and Western Europe have had on Croatia's E.U. negotiation process. Both within and outside the region, beliefs in ultra-nationalism and Balkanism have engaged Croatia, and other Southeastern European states, in a process of othering that excludes them from the rest of Europe.

Name thesis:degree_name

MA

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geology and Geography

Year dc:date.available

2010

Author dc:creator

• Titanski, Jennifer L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Ann Oberhauser.
• Karen Culcasi
• Robert Blobaum

• Geography
• East European studies

Identifier

https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/847

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:researchrepository.wvu.edu:etd-1850