Between the Balkans and Europe: The State/Nation Problem in the Post-Yugoslav States

Abstract

ABSTRACT This Special Issue will apply Hansen and Wæver’s state/nation concept to the post-Yugoslav states, thereby attempting to explain their divergence in attitudes towards ‘Europe’ and in the EU integration process. It will be highlighted that the evolving state- and nation-building processes after the violent break-up of Yugoslavia significantly deviated in the post-Yugoslav states, with some countries focusing strongly on portraying themselves as Continental European states (Slovenia and Croatia), while others struggled with the establishment of new statehood (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, North-Macedonia).