This book examines some of the most pressing issues affecting contemporary societies in Europe in the 2020s, namely uncertainty, unrest and the fragility of individuals and groups.
Monika Banaś, Vesa Puuronen, and their contributors analyse a selection of challenges affecting the present and near future of Europe and European societies. They reflect on processes and events that are having a pivotal impact on individual and collective life; for example, how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has affected reformulation or revision of such concepts as security, uncertainty, independence, freedom, democracy and democratic values, as well as nation and nationalism. The volume discusses phenomena such as the migration and integration of refugees, media narratives on the Russian-Ukrainian war, political campaign rhetoric concerning the war, institutional engagement in fostering civil and inclusive societies, strategies of young people to cope with uncertainty in times of socio-economic challenges, and immigrant women’s perception of Europe as a new home, one shaken by a military conflict at the eastern border of the European Union.
A valuable reference for scholars and students of European Societies studying a broad scope of courses in sociology, political culture, intercultural communication, intercultural – and international relations, along with political science. The book will also be of interest to experts and practitioners of the NGO sector active in supporting vulnerable individuals, communities, and societies.