The Trimarium Identity Dilemma: A Constructivist Perspective on the Social Foundations of Regional Cohesion

Abstract

The study investigates whether the success of the Three Seas Initiative (3SI) depends on the formation of a shared regional identity. Anchored in the constructivist paradigm of international relations, it addresses the overlooked theoretical dimension of identity-building within 3SI. Drawing on summit declarations, official reports and constructivist literature, the analysis reveals a discrepancy between the Initiative’s economic ambitions and the absence of overt identity-forming narratives. Despite growing institutionalisation and practical cooperation tools – such as investment and innovation funds – there is limited rhetorical or symbolic articulation of collective belonging. The findings suggest that fostering a sense of “we” could enhance trust, cohesion, and external visibility, strengthening both internal solidarity and attractiveness for investors. The article argues that identity, constructed through social interaction and shared norms, is not a by-product but a precondition of sustainable regionalism. It proposes pathways for identity formation rooted in inclusive dialogue, historical reconciliation and alignment with European values. This perspective positions 3SI not as an alternative, but as a regional pillar of a cohesive Europe.