A THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE NATIONAL IDENTITY CONCEPT ON THE EUROPENIZATION PROCESS OF WESTERN BALKANS: AN EXAMPLE OF SERBIA

With the end of bipolar structure, states wanted to guarantee their places in system through European Union Balkans. Serbia is one important Western Balkans that hardly adapted changes because Serbian nationalism. This article will discuss reasons for delay Europeanization process referring concept nationalism, which had greatest influence on Serbia’s EU process. study explain why path towards integration has been so much difficult. After analyzing dissolution countries from Yugoslavia, it focus two theories are identity convergence and divergence mechanisms order better analyze Serbia. reveal reluctance accept nationalism by exploring role national concludes that, transformation domestic policies linked with were failed Serbia, mechanism became a driven force delaying rapid enlargement political leaders’ strategies unsuccessful pursue norms standards. In this research paper, qualitative was conducted using methodological pluralism historical comparative methods.