Abstract:

The study aims to understand ethnoreligious identities arguing that it is a politically significant resource for mobilization and essential for the stability and progression stalemate in the Western Balkans. Moreover, ethnic mobilization induces and spreads a sense of homogeneity and equality and a sense of security and power in the collective "We.“ The gap from democracy is motivated by the fear of competitive nationalist movements, and radical rhetoric leads political parties to succeed. The greater the fear and insecurity in society, the more people are dependent on the government and less instructed in measuring its objective results. If there is a conflict, the strengthening of "our" ethnic-confessional identity simultaneously strengthens the belief in the diversity of "others." The mutual consolidation of identity has a backlash against the importance of the conflict. That is why conflicts enter again into traditional Balkans' collective myths by which identity is continually affirmed. The practice of constant mobilization, i.e., collectivist homogenization, takes the place of democratic legitimacy, providing political elites with a base of power outside democratic procedures. The risk of current policies is not just the involvement of citizens in the conflict but also the exclusion of the majority of citizens from the political arena and making decisions for the community. Public (social, national, state) interest must not be equated with officials; justice sets boundaries. Emphasizing ethnicity instead of dialogue and transformation of a "utopian discourse" produces antagonisms and thus stagnates economic, political, and cultural development; an obstacle for EU integration

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