Influence of Ethnic Stereotypes on the Development of Political Relations in the Balkans

Abstract

In the article author points out that Balkan states are multiethnic that is why ethnic problems have always been in the limelight of governments, citizens and never lost their topicality. Political history of Balkan people, from their origin and consolidation of certain nations until present, has been filled with struggle for the national emancipation, creation and strengthening of their national states, observation of ethnic minorities’ rights, solution of inter-ethnic conflicts. Part of ethnic stereotypes, which were formed as a result of existing state policy, was investigated in the development of political relations in the Balkans. These stereotypes were connected with the borders and interrelations of Balkan states with each other and with other countries, the so called great powers. We believe that ethnic stereotypes still hinder many nations and ethnicities on this rather small peninsula from ensuring mutual acknowledgement, respect and tolerant attitude as standard of conduct for everyone.

Keywords

• Balkans
• ethnic problems
• ethnic stereotypes
• national consolidation processes
• national idea
• national states
• isolation
• self-isolation