Predictors of Euroscepticism in six Western Balkan countries
Journal
Southeast European and Black Sea Studies
Date Issued
2020-04-02
Author(s)
Lavrič, Miran
Naterer, Andrej
DOI
10.1080/14683857.2020.1744091
Abstract
Based on a combination of national representative surveys and semistructured
interviews conducted in six Western Balkan countries, the
study represents a pioneering attempt at a systematic, comparative
analysis of Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans. By employing
a theoretical framework that tests the effects of utilitarian, political
and cultural factors, the study identifies and interprets the strongest
socio-demographical and attitudinal predictors of Euroscepticism. The
study demonstrates that all three theoretical models have some explanatory
power regarding Eurosceptical attitudes in the Western Balkans,
albeit to different degrees. While utilitarian predictors have limited
effects, domestic proxies and especially cultural factors such as traditional
values, authoritarian orientations and particularly religious affiliation
appear as the strongest predictors of Euroscepticism.
interviews conducted in six Western Balkan countries, the
study represents a pioneering attempt at a systematic, comparative
analysis of Euroscepticism in the Western Balkans. By employing
a theoretical framework that tests the effects of utilitarian, political
and cultural factors, the study identifies and interprets the strongest
socio-demographical and attitudinal predictors of Euroscepticism. The
study demonstrates that all three theoretical models have some explanatory
power regarding Eurosceptical attitudes in the Western Balkans,
albeit to different degrees. While utilitarian predictors have limited
effects, domestic proxies and especially cultural factors such as traditional
values, authoritarian orientations and particularly religious affiliation
appear as the strongest predictors of Euroscepticism.
Subjects