Perceptions of geopolitical crises by post-millennials in Central and Eastern Europe

This article explores how Post-Millennials in Central and Eastern Europe perceive and respond to multiple, overlapping crises, including war, pandemics, climate change, and digital transformation. Drawing on eight group interviews with students from Austria, Czechia, Poland, and Ukraine, the study analyses how generational experiences shape attitudes toward political, social, and environmental challenges. Building on Karl Mannheim’s concept of generation and Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development, the article explores how shared historical and cultural contexts – or their absence – influence generational crises understanding. The findings indicate that Ukrainian students, who experience war firsthand, perceive crises as continuous and deeply personal. This is a perspective that fosters greater intergenerational closeness. In contrast, Polish, Czech, and Austrian students tend to experience crises more distantly, while their awareness is shaped by global processes and digital issues. Key differences emerge in technological literacy, engagement with digital media, and perceptions of responsibility for the future, underscoring the proximity, socialisation, and digital competence in shaping crisis perceptions. Overall, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of how contemporary geopolitical and societal disruptions intersect with generational identity, offering insights into the attitudes, values, and social behaviours of Post-Millennials in Central and Eastern Europe.