Original scientific paper

Is nationalism Croatia's destiny?

Duško Sekulić ; Department of Sociology, Flinders University of South Australia

Abstract

In this paper I confront two explanatory models of nationalism. The first is “Culturological” which the phenomena of nationalism derives from the characteristics of the “National Soul”, something what is deeply rooted in the motivational structure of the group studied. The second is geopolitical which nationalism derives from geopolitical changes. In our case the most intensive forms of nationalism emerge as a consequence of the dissolution of empires riding this lands- from Ottoman, through Austria-Hungarian to Soviet and Communism as its ideological offshoot. Within the framework of general geopolitical changes the internal dynamics of nationalism is analyzed using Simmel-Coser conflict theory, specifically the consequences of conflict for the internal group structure. In accordance with the framework developed, the future of nationalism in Croatia is projected. The main element working in direction of suppressing nationalism is European integration. Historically, in the process of creation of the first Yugoslav state, Europe presented the danger in the form of territorial aspirations of neighbouring states.. Today, Europe is not a danger, but opposite, an attraction and the slogan “joining the Europe” becomes the main political goal.
The factors which could enable the “come back" of nationalism in Croatia are the slow-down, or reversal of European integration, dominance of negative over positive effects of globalization and especially the new cold war between Europe, USA and Russia.

Keywords

nationalism; Croatia; conflict theory; geopolitics

Hrčak ID:

154066

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/154066

Publication date:

31.12.2001.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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