Which concept refers to the perception of Eastern Europe as Europe’s internal periphery?

The concept that refers to the perception of Eastern Europe as Europe’s internal periphery is aptly captured by the term "Internal Other." This concept highlights how specific regions or groups within a broader cultural or geopolitical entity are viewed as separate or distinct from the perceived 'core' identity. In the context of Eastern Europe, this means that the region is often seen through a lens of otherness, suggesting that it is culturally, politically, or socially different from Western Europe.

This perception has historical roots, including the legacy of imperialism and the division of Europe during the Cold War, which contributed to the characterization of Eastern European nations as being less developed or peripheral. This viewpoint often leads to stereotypes and generalized assumptions about the cultures and societies within Eastern Europe, reinforcing a hierarchical relationship between Eastern and Western Europe.

In contrast, the other concepts do not adequately describe this specific perception. While postcolonialism deals with the effects of colonial rule on formerly colonized countries, and colonialism itself refers to the practice of domination by one country over another, these terms do not focus specifically on the internal dynamics within Europe. Orientalism relates specifically to how the West perceives and depicts the East, mainly in a colonial context, but does not apply to the internal divisions within Europe