Ontological Security and Insecurity

Ontological security refers to a sense of stability and continuity in a person’s or group’s identity and worldview. It’s the confidence that life makes sense, that one’s place in the world is understood, and that routines and relationships provide predictability and meaning.

Ontological insecurity occurs when this stability is disrupted, leading to feelings of uncertainty, fear, or confusion about one’s identity or role in the world. This can happen when people or nations face challenges that threaten their core beliefs, routines, or sense of belonging, such as political upheaval, cultural changes, or conflicts. These concepts help explain why individuals and groups often seek stability, even in ways that might seem irrational, to maintain their sense of self and place in the world.

Why is it relevant ? This concept is particularly relevant for Eastern Europeans due to the region's history of political upheaval, shifting borders, and cultural transformations. These experiences have deeply shaped our collective identities and created a strong need for stability and continuity amid uncertainty. Understanding ontological (in)security provides insight into how Eastern Europeans navigate their sense of belonging and identity in the face of rapid geopolitical and societal changes.