Regional Integration and Social Construction of Identities. Understanding Contemporary European Identity

Abstract

Regional Integration and the Social Construction of Identities This session, delivered during Dr. Sergio Moldes‑Anaya’s Erasmus+ staff mobility at the University of Luxembourg within the framework of the Master in European Governance, examines the relationship between regional integration processes and the social construction of identities. The lecture explores how political, economic and cultural cooperation among countries contributes to shaping and transforming national, regional and transnational identities. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts such as national identity, regional identity, transnational identity, and global citizenship, emphasizing that identities are not fixed but socially constructed through history, cultural interaction, and political structures. The session discusses how regional integration initiatives—such as the European Union, Mercosur, ASEAN, and the African Union—attempt to build shared identities while also navigating tensions related to nationalism, cultural diversity and historical legacies. Using empirical data from the Special Eurobarometer 508, the class analyzes variations in identification with being European across member states and demographic groups, discussing the implications for European governance and public attitudes toward integration. The session concludes by encouraging students to reflect on the complexities of identity formation in the context of regional and global governance, highlighting the dynamic interplay between cultural exchange, political integration, and the emergence of hybrid or contested identities.