Perceptions of new security risks by central and Eastern European populations and their political elites

Abstract

This article explores perceptions of new security risks held by the public at large and their political elites in a range of countries in the post‐Cold War Central and Eastern European region. While it has to be acknowledged that some traditional military risks are still prevalent in the region, this study concentrates on four new non‐military security issues that seem to concern both the general population and the political elite. These comprise various risks generated by the complex transition process, by national and ethnic minorities, by migration and by environmental challenges. As regards public perceptions, the study relies on surveys conducted by Gallup and other academic research projects. For highlighting elite perceptions, it evaluates official security documents, such as those defining security concepts and strategies of individual countries in the region. In addition, the study also draws some comparisons between security perceptions in Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe.