Between the Home and Kin-State: Self-Identification and Attachment of Ukrainians and Romanians in the Ukrainian-Romanian Borderland of Bukovina

Shifting attitudes towards identity, borders and geopolitical choices: The case of Moldova

“…Regardless of their type, borders are bound to shape perceptions and identities, and certain feelings of belonging. The latest literature on border studies draws ideas and expertise from a wide range of disciplines, including political science, regional economics (Studzieniecki, 2021; Studzieniecki et al, 2021; Székely & Kotosz, 2018) and sociology (Wayne, 2006), as well as human and cultural geography (Brambilla 2015; Bureiko et al, 2021; Newman & Paasi, 1998). Borders and regions are somehow fluid and dynamic, since throughout history, nation states’ borders have undergone continuous historical, political, economic, social and cultural variations.…”

“…Borders and regions are somehow fluid and dynamic, since throughout history, nation states’ borders have undergone continuous historical, political, economic, social and cultural variations. These shifts have induced alterations across various relations, attachments and identity discourses, whereas also affecting a large spectrum of behaviours and practices of the population living within certain borders (Brambilla, 2015; Bureiko et al, 2021; Yuval‐Davis, 2013). Borders are thus shaped and delimited not only in territorial, political or administrative terms, but most importantly by historical and cultural coordinates (identity politics) which are vital for creating a sense of belonging to a certain community and/or place (Bureiko et al, 2021; Brambilla, 2015).…”

“…These shifts have induced alterations across various relations, attachments and identity discourses, whereas also affecting a large spectrum of behaviours and practices of the population living within certain borders (Brambilla, 2015; Bureiko et al, 2021; Yuval‐Davis, 2013). Borders are thus shaped and delimited not only in territorial, political or administrative terms, but most importantly by historical and cultural coordinates (identity politics) which are vital for creating a sense of belonging to a certain community and/or place (Bureiko et al, 2021; Brambilla, 2015). The way people identify with a specific community and/or a place has proven to have substantial impacts on human lives and on nations throughout history.…”