ABSTRACT

This chapter outlines a series of overall emerging themes and categories related to the current multi-layered condition of statehood and nation-state building in the post-Soviet and post-socialist sphere in Europe. The conceptual and theoretical framework presented here was developed in order to portray the methodological approach adopted in the book, which includes both strong theoretical underpinnings and significant empirical research based on fieldwork throughout the eastern part of Europe. This is grounded in an extensive examination of sport and sports events. Thus, the final contribution emphasises the synthesis between comparative theorising and specific case studies, undertaken to analyse three decades of transition and transformation in these particular countries, arising from the collapse of the USSR and Yugoslavia. Through the symbolic lens of sport, common trends shared by post-socialist and post-Soviet countries are reflected upon here, examining the multifaceted and unique cultural and political evolution of the various states. This groundwork enables the work to mitigate some significant epistemological and conceptual concerns and limitations, particularly connected to the Western Eurocentric hegemony within social sciences.