Digital Nationalism and European Integration: Insights from Romania as a Model for the Western Balkans

Doi: https://doi.org/10.58603/KWXS9468

Abstract: Purpose: This study examines how digital nationalism manifests on social media platforms during European integration processes, using Romania's post-2007 EU membership experience as an analytical lens for understanding similar dynamics in Western Balkan candidate countries. The research addresses a critical gap in understanding how algorithmic curation and user-generated content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram shape national identity construction within supranational frameworks.
Design/methodology/approach: Employing a mixed-methods design, this research combines qualitative semi-structured interviews with 16 Romanian youth (ages 18-28), quantitative hashtag analysis of nationalist symbols including #MandruSaFiuRoman (450-point resonance score), corpus analysis via NVivo software, and the development of a novel mathematical model for Net Nationalist Sentiment (NS = SMI × (P - Pol) × (E/2)). Data collection occurred during 2024-2025, capturing post-accession digital dynamics. Practical implications: The findings offer concrete policy guidance for Western Balkan countries pursuing EU membership. Serbia (22/35 chapters opened) and Bosnia (stalled candidacy) can implement scaled media literacy programs based on Romania's model, integrating critical digital skills into educational curricula to foster EU-compatible online identity formation while managing nationalist sentiments.
Originality/value: This research makes three distinct contributions: (1) first empirical analysis linking digital nationalism to EU integration outcomes through mixed methods; (2) development of a quantifiable model for nationalist sentiment applicable across contexts; (3) evidence-based policy framework for managing digital identity during accession processes.