This class explores the concept of civil society and political culture in South-Eastern Europe. By exploring contemporary and historical perspectives on the relations between society and politics, it draws on historical, anthropological, sociological, and political science approaches in understanding this relationship. The class focuses on the impact of authoritarianism on state-society relations, the role of identity and ethnicity, social movements, media, religion, and the impact of family structures and gender roles on the relationship between society and state. Contemporary themes include interpreting Balkan nationalism and the rise of populist and right-wing groups (‘uncivil society’). Upon completing this class, students should become familiar with the dynamic relationship between states’ attempts at stabilizing official narratives and identity fluctuations in societies across the region. Furthermore, students should be able to meaningfully integrate class discussions, readings, and reflections with their personal experience of local society acquired during the semester in the Balkans. Upon leaving the region, students should be able to better recognize and analyze dynamic and contested state-society relationship in other countries and regions as well. (Lecturer: Tamara Pavasovic Trost)
