Identities and Correlation of Identities

Focused on the correlation of identities prevalent in central and east European countries, this essay deals with practical issues. It assesses the specific traits of these regions, for instance an emphasis on ethnic identification and their impact on the integration of identities within the framework of international politics and growing concern for the protection of minority communities and groups. The essay also focuses on the tensions registered during transition. While defending the generative approach to identities the essay brings helpful conceptual clarifications to this issue and applies the multiple identities theory to this region. The essay is informed by a conceptual framework suggested by Erik Erikson, Parsons, Lehmann and Habermas, as well as the work of Armin Nassehi, Nemod Miscevic and Edgar Morin. While considering both individual and group identities and moving between various categories, social identity, ethnic identity and cultural identity, the essay is particularly concerned with the place of the ethnic component in the theory of modernity and uses the example of Cluj to illustrate the functioning of multiple variables in the construction of identity in this region of Europe.

Keywords: identity, European integration, regional identity