Transnationalization vs. Eco-Nationalism: Discursive Framing of Environmental Struggles in Serbia

Abstract

This chapter explores the interplay between nationalist (eco-nationalist) framing and the transnationalization of environmental struggles in Serbia, focusing on the case of protests against lithium mining in the Jadar Valley. The discursive framing of the protests varies along the eco-nationalist axis, and we aim to explore how this framing influences the potential for the transnationalization of environmental struggles. The research is based on the critical discourse analysis of content on the social media and media outlets of the environmental organizations involved in protests against lithium mining in Serbia: “Let’s Protect Jadar and Rađevina”, “March from the Drina”, and “EKO Social Action”. The findings suggest that eco-nationalism (especially the ethnic subtype) can limit certain paths towards transnationalization (e.g., forging alliances with organizations from “core” countries). However, as can be seen in this case, it can also open up new avenues of cooperation with activists from (semi-)peripheral countries facing similar environmental injustices