Social Resilience in Central-Eastern Europe: Comparing Bucharest Nine and Ukraine

Abstract

This article examines social resilience among the Bucharest Nine (B9) countries and Ukraine amidst the intricate geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. It explores various aspects of social resilience, such as political structures, economic robustness, defence capabilities, social unity, and cultural identity, while also taking into account the influence of historical legacies, contemporary policies, and societal perceptions. The study constructs an integrated index of social resilience, amalgamating economic, political, social, and environmental parameters, thereby filling a critical void in the existing literature by providing a holistic understanding of a nation's social resilience. Key findings highlight divergent levels of social resilience among these nations, shown to be influenced by institutional trust, economic inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. Estonia emerges as the most resilient country with a "sufficient" level, while others like Hungary, Romania, and Ukraine fall within the "medium" resilience category. None of the research countries exhibited "high" or "low" level of social resilience. Consideration of the practical implications underlines the necessity for targeted strategies in bolstering institutional trust, economic inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. By offering a multi-dimensional viewpoint, this study can inform policy formulation, enhancing nations' capacities to navigate regional complexities and uphold societal integrity and national stability. Limitations such as the dynamic nature of social resilience factors and challenges in data availability, particularly in war-affected regions like Ukraine, are acknowledged. The study advocates for future research focusing on longitudinal studies and the influence of digital transformation and innovation on social resilience.