The focus of this research was the identification of dominant narratives in online media reporting on Macedonian-Bulgarian relations and their impact on citizens’ perceptions and attitudes.
As part of the research, 192 online media articles were analyzed, in the period from November 15, 2021 to February 15, 2022, and four focus groups with citizens (three in Skopje and one in Bitola) were organized during June and July 2022. .
The analysis detected the following dominant narratives:
– Bulgaria continues with its anti-Macedonian policy.
– Bulgarian fascism versus Macedonian anti-fascism.
– Bulgaria does not recognize the Macedonian minority in its country.
– The Macedonian government is treacherous and incompetent.
– Underestimation of conciliatory performances and statements.
The impact of narratives on citizens (focus groups):
1. Mistrust and a deep sense of victimization
– A deep-seated sense of victimization.
– High level of mistrust towards Macedonian foreign policy.
– Political elites “should not be puppets of the West”.
– The political elites are not capable of defending the “national interest”.
2. Potential for detecting propaganda narratives
– Motivation and potential for critical thinking.
– A certain degree of critical ability to detect and deconstruct propaganda narratives.
– Potential for critical distance to information from the “side” being supported.
