Borders do not just symbolise separation but also interconnectedness (especially in case of open borders). In borderlands, people often encounter the Other on a more or less regular basis which can be a source of tensions or richness at the same time. I am interested in under which conditions one of these scenarios prevails over the other. 

Space and geographical labels are not neutral but can be defined and delimited in different ways. Specifically, I have been studying the temporally and spatially shifting associations tied with concepts like Europe, Central Europe, Carpathian Basin, East, and West. The meanings and agendas that different actors associate with such spatial categories is my key interest.