Podgorica, (MINA) – The level of nationalism in Montenegro remains very high, with the most pronounced degree of ethnic distance towards the Roma population, according to the research by the Center for Democracy and Human Rights (CEDEM).
This NGO presented on Monday the report “Ethnic distance in Montenegro”, which this organization has been conducting for 18 years.
The research showed that inter-ethnic tensions are present, but with positive trends, where the reduction of ethnic distance among young people under 30 is especially noted, as well as the decline in the intensity of nationalism among Albanians.
These developments, according to the PR Center, suggest a gradual transformation in public attitudes within certain segments of society, although the challenges still remain.
CEDEM Director Nevenka Vuksanovic said that, according to research, Montenegrins hold the highest level of education among national communities, and also rank highest in socioeconomic status. Comparatively, Serbs are positioned above Bosniaks, Muslims and Albanians, but below Montenegrins.
“Research shows that the level of nationalism in Montenegro is very high, approximately 70 percent of citizens agree with the view that the survival of the nation is the main duty of every individual”, Vuksanovic said.
According to her, the highest level of nationalism was recorded among Serbs and Bosniaks.
“When we compare these values with the 2023 results, we estimate that the level of nationalism today is more or less at the same level as in 2023, except in the case of Albanians, where a significantly lower level of nationalism was measured”, said Vuksanovic.
She stated that this decline can be attributed either to calming tensions under the influence of the European agenda, or by greater political participation in government structures.
Vuksanovic added that Montenegrin citizens are increasingly adopting a constructivist model of understanding the nation, based on a shared language and culture, rather than a primordial model linking nationality to ethnicity and birth.
“Ethnic distance still remains present. The highest degree of distancing is shown towards Roma, especially in kinship relations, over 78 percent. Montenegrins and Serbs show a low level of distance towards each other, while Albanians show a pronounced distance towards Serbs”, said Vuksanovic. She pointed out that Serbs, on the other hand, show a significant distance towards Bosniaks and Muslims, Bosniaks and Muslims express almost complete closeness to each other, while Albanians express a high degree of distancing towards Muslims.
