Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.59323/k.14.1.3

The Perception of the Multi-Conditionality of Contemporary Migration of Croatia in the Context of Spatial and Population Security

Monika Komušanac orcid.org/0000-0002-3131-6679 ; Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb
Monika Balija orcid.org/0000-0001-7350-2798 ; Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb

Abstract

The paper is based on the results of a survey conducted on a quota sample (N = 663) at the end of 2021, which examined the perception of the resident
population towards migrants and contemporary migrations and national security in Croatia. In accordance with the position of Croatia on the Balkan migrant
route in 2015, the assumption was that dominant attitudes towards migrants are profiled in accordance with general information, personal experiences and
media perception. The research included an examination of the respondents’ level of information about contemporary global and regional migrations, as
well as an examination of attitudes about the nature of migration processes, the functionality of migrants in the new social environment, national security and the future of the emptied areas of Croatia. It was determined, when examining general knowledge about migration, that the respondents are more familiar with migrations that take place (or have taken place) in Croatian territory, along our borders or in narrower regional frameworks, and less familiar with global migration trends and migration hotspots. Furthermore, most of the respondents believe that the main causes of large migrations are war destruction in the area from which they are emigrating and military operations, and the respondents are more inclined to the option of selective access and control of future migration processes. In relation to the adaptation of foreigners, the majority of respondents confirmed the statement that migrants should respect the lifestyle of the new environment and integrate into Croatian society on a functional level, and they consider politicians to be the main culprits for negative attitudes towards migrants. In the part in which the connection between migration and national security was investigated, the respondents were mostly divided about the success of the Croatian national security system in 2015, and they believe that the potentially most threatened Croatian areas are in the east and southeast of Croatia. Also, divided opinions were observed regarding the perspective of depopulated and emptied areas of Croatia, but the prevailing opinion is that such areas will be used for the temporary residence of the new population in transit through Croatia. In conclusion, most respondents believe that the Croatian political system and global interests are the main factors of the threat to Croatia’s national security, which means that internal and external factors are equally represented in the perception of Croatia’s national security.

Keywords

Croatia; migrants; national security; perception; multi-conditionality

Hrčak ID:

306401

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/306401

Publication date:

1.7.2023.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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