Why did Serbian radios in Croatia influence the subsequent rise in nationalism?

Started Dec. 5, 2022

Abstract or project description

Why did Serbian radios in Croatia influence the subsequent rise in nationalism? This paper argues that people remember events differently and so when Croatians listen to Serbian radios, it evokes a feeling of anger. As a result, they have more ethnic hatred towards Serbs. These Croats turn to graffiti, vandalism and increase their votes for extremist parties that support nationalism. The psychological theory of terror management— where you are more likely to be nationalist when you are reminded of death—explains this phenomenon. It stems from insecurity and anxiety and the identity vacuum after communism ended. This paper will discuss a variety of concepts and historical moments to reach its conclusion. This paper contextualises the Croatian War of Independence. The war occurred from 1991-1995 between an independence-wanting Croatia and a Serbia that wanted them to remain in Yugoslavia. This paper also uses concepts from political psychology like political polarisation—defined as the divergence of political attitudes away from the centre and towards political extremes—to explain how individuals are more likely to interact with people and sources that have similar views as them. Croatian and Serbian radios—the main way that people get their news because it is the cheapest option and is most accessible—have different media biases. Journalists and news producers within the mass media have biases in the selection of many events and stories that are reported and how they are covered. This paper draws on research from disciplines such as history, political science, and psychology. It also analyses sources such as news articles, academic research papers, encyclopaedia articles, radio shows, and videos.