Srednja Evropa kao (neokonzervativna) periferija: politika nostalgije između teorije i prakse
Central Europe as a (Neo-Conservative) Periphery: The Politics of Nostalgia Between Theory and Practice

Summary/Abstract: The primary aim of this paper is to elucidate the influence of neo-conservative paradigms on the transformation of the political landscape in Central Europe, with a particular focus on four EU member states from the Visegrád Group. The author argues that conservative forces in the region are seeking to establish their own geopolitical paradigm, thereby constructing a foundation for broader political legitimization, through the promotion of strengthened national autonomy, historical and cultural continuity, and traditional values. These efforts are not merely intended to counterbalance the dominant liberal democratic principles and discourses of the European Union, but also to articulate an alternative narrative framework for critically reassessing those very principles. In this context, conservative actors (including those often labeled “illiberal”) place significant emphasis on local traditions and identities, as well as on the importance of national sovereignty. This is occasionally accompanied by manifestations of so-called “political messianism,” in contrast to which supranational integration is frequently characterized as abstract, ambiguous, or even hegemonic. Drawing on the intersection of theoretical frameworks and methodological perspectives from various disciplines, including the history of European integration, identity studies, and populism, the paper seeks to shed light on the complex interrelations between neo-conservative ideological matrices, religious embeddedness, and ethnic affiliation. In doing so, it contributes to a deeper understanding of the contemporary political constellations and challenges faced by Central Europe.

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