Ambiguous identities in crisis-ridden Greece: 'us' and/against 'Europe'. Issue 4 (2nd October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Balampanidis, Ioannis; Katsambekis, Giorgos; Iliadis, Christos; Papataxiarchis, Evthymios
• Is Part Of: Journal of contemporary European studies. Volume 30:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 640
• Page End: 655
• Publication Date: 2022-10-02
• Subjects: Greece -- referendum -- crisis -- Euroscepticism -- identity -- social mobilisation; Europe -- Periodicals; Europe -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Europe -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Area studies -- Periodicals; Europe -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 940.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14782804.2021.1924641
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1478-2804

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In this paper, we present findings of a research project focusing on the tensions between the idea of 'Europe' and that of the 'nation' as well as on perceptions of national and popular sovereignty in times of crisis. We start from the assumption that in the context of the recent crisis, EU politics have become 'normal politics, ' generating political passions, polarization, and a deeper Eurosceptic mood. Working on the emblematic case of Greece, we focus on two critical moments (referendum 2015 and Prespa Agreement 2018) so as to address the question of how the idea of 'Europe' was politicized and reconceptualized in its competitive symbiosis with perception(s) of the 'nation'. Drawing on discourse analysis and ethnographic research, we maintain that European identity, in this critical juncture, was not deconstructed but rather remodelled in constant tension with national identity.