“We should continue to tell people that what they believe in terms of the nation-state is also a myth.”


The “imagination of the nation” plays a key role in the perception of citizens towards the European Union. 

As explained our the previous episode, European myths strongly impact these beliefs which have diverse consequences in different parts of the EU. 

Focusing on Central and Southeast Europe, we will try to understand the dynamics of popular myths in this region which has experienced a different enlargement process than in the Western part of the continent. 


What are these myths used in conspiracy theories? How do they influence populist movements, in the ‘East’ and in the ‘West’? What are the tasks head and which future for popular myths? 


In this last part of “European Union and Popular Myths”, Sebastian Schäffer (Managing Director at IDM, Vienna), is again welcoming Thomas Diez (Professor of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Tübingen) to discuss this topic within a Central and Southeastern European perceptive. 


CEE - Central Europe Explained, an IDM podcast series powered by Erste Group.

With Thomas Diez and Sebastian Schäffer.


Production: Emma Hontebeyrie



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