Nationalism and Xenophobia in Central and Eastern Europe

This program will explore the socio-cultural and political factors that bring about nationalism and foreign phobia in Romania and the wider areas of eastern and central Europe. The questions that constitute our survey are as follows. What is nationalism? What is its specific format in East and Central Europe? What role can civil society play in the formation of European and international emotions? How do cultural performances increase the sense of solidarity with strangers and foreigners?

In politics, Europe is divided into Eastern Europe and Western Europe. Depending on the situation, these countries can be part of Western Europe, or even only part of Eastern Europe. Croatia is a notable exception to the listing of Central European countries, but in some cases it is listed as part of the region or as part of Southeastern Europe. As the border with Southern Europe is like, the border between Central Europe and Northern Europe is clear. The Baltic Sea is called Northern Europe, and the Southern Alps is called Southern Europe. However, as the two regions are culturally similar, the differences between Central Europe and Eastern Europe are not clearly defined. Northern Europe and southern European countries may be included in Western Europe and Central Europe, but countries related to the former Soviet Union and the Ural mountains, including Russia, are not included.

This program will explore the socio-cultural and political factors that bring about nationalism and foreign phobia in Romania and the wider areas of eastern and central Europe. The questions that constitute our survey are as follows. What is nationalism? What is its specific format in East and Central Europe? What role can civil society play in the formation of European and international emotions? How do cultural performances increase the sense of solidarity with strangers and foreigners?