Institute for Minority Rights - News & Events - New open access paper
New open access paper
"The Interplay Between Ethnicity, Borders and Cross-border Political Spaces: Insights from the Italian–Austrian Border Region"
- English
The new open access paper by our researcher Alice Engl highlights the interplay between ethnicity, borders, and cross-border political spaces at the Austrian-Italian border.
Abstract This paper explores the dynamics of cross-border relations, ethnic diversity and the role of sub-state actors in border regions, focusing on the Austrian–Italian border. Using a transnational regionalism lens, it examines how minorities, majorities, sub-state political elites and the media perceive and utilise cross-border spaces. The findings reveal contested perspectives among sub-state political elites, influenced by historical conflicts, while the media emphasise the connective role of the state border. Furthermore, autonomist parties and representatives contribute to framing cross-border cooperation as a means of connection and shared territorial policymaking. The research highlights the potential of sub-state to foster inclusive cross-border relations in minority contexts and empower minority communities in border regions, offering insights into integration and connection beyond ethnic and territorial divisions.
