Description
By using strategic narrative theory we are able to explain some of the reasons why the narratives of young people on how they understand international cooperation differ in the Baltic states to those expressed by similar cohorts in Ukraine. Based on audience reception analysis in the four states, using the Q-sort method of participant narrative construction, our data shows that young Ukrainians narrate the future direction of their country with a strong focus on the self and Ukraine’s internal problems, paying little attention to international system dynamics beyond their borders. In contrast, young Estonians, Lithuanians and (to a lesser extent) Latvians offer narratives about the international system; their perspective is on a different horizon to their Ukrainian peers. This suggests the potential for a declining sense of solidarity between Ukraine and the Baltic states, evident in our comparative data. This has important implications for the post-Soviet region’s politics, culture and society and for the EU. Estonians and Lithuanians narrate an uncertain international system but one in which liberal, cooperative action can improve affairs. We find they place great emphasis on meso-level partnership-building as a form of both self- and collective interest. We conclude by reflecting on how EU public diplomacy efforts in the neighbourhood may involve the EU crafting variations on its strategic narrative to align with the different horizons against which citizens imagine their futures.
