VARIATIONS IN EUROPEAN IDENTITY A quantitative analysis of changes in European identity among educational levels and geographical groups after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022

Abstract

Multiple studies conceptualise European identity along the lines of social identity theory, as a collective group built on shared values, norms and solidarity, for which Europeans then can identify with. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has been shown to have had an impact on Europe and its residents, consequently causing an increase in European identity (Nicoli et al., 2024; Steiner et al., 2023). Current research has however not dwelled into details of how variations among societal groups might have been affected, such as assessing changes in variations among groups of individuals commonly studied in relation to European identity. This study therefore aimed towards addressing the research gap on the Russian invasions’ impact on identity changes amongst the societal groups: educational attainment levels, geographical regions and border proximity. European Social Survey (ESS) data was utilised for a quasi-longitudinal study across two time-points, presenting an OLS regression analysis with interactive models, investigating changes in European identity variations amongst 61 483 respondents across twenty-four European states. The main findings indicated contradicting or non-significant results, leading to more questions than answers, Thus, opening for future research to contribute more knowledge of how identity may change in relation to crises. Furthermore, adding knowledge of how individuals amongst societal groups may seek out collective groups, for which they can identify with and feel a belonging to in times of uncertainty.