Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.21857/ygjwrcevry
CHALLENGES OF MODERN STATES. MIGRATIONS. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE OTHER. NON-SLOVENES.
Martina Plantak
orcid.org/0009-0000-9796-8541
Goran Bandov
Abstract
The paper analyses the attitude of Slovenian society towards migrants from
the former Yugoslavia, with a special focus on issues of national identity, migration
policies, media discourse and public opinion. The focus of the analysis is
on the concept of Non-Slovenes – a term that encompasses immigrants from
Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, Montenegro and Kosovo,
who are often perceived as culturally and socially significantly distinct from ethnic
Slovenians.
A historical overview of migration flows shows that Slovenia, thanks to its
economic development, was a frequent destination for economic migrants from
less developed Yugoslav regions. Over time, these migrants became a significant
part of the social structure, but their integration remained superficial. The
dominant narratives of Slovenian nationalism, especially after independence,
defined Slovenian identity in opposition to the ''Balkans'', which are symbolically
associated with disorder, chaotic and uncivilized.
The paper further analyses media discourse through the portrayal of Non-Slovenes
in the media using negative stereotypes: as criminals and disruptors of
social order. Public opinion surveys confirm the persistent prejudices and ethnic
distance of a part of the Slovenian public, while institutional integration policies
are often selective or not implemented in practice. In conclusion, the paper
indicates the need to deconstruct national identity based on exclusion, and to
promote a more inclusive and pluralistic understanding of Slovenian society.
Keywords
Slovenia; Non-Slovenes; Balkans; anti-balkanism; nationalism.
Hrčak ID:
342689
URI
Publication date:
31.12.2025.
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