Visions of division: affective dimensions of Europeanness at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen in 2014

Abstract: The proliferation of identity politics dictates the modes of conceptualising the postmodern world. Drawing on the recent surge of scholarly interest in affect, this thesis aims at shifting academic attention from identity politics towards affective politics in the studies of Europe. In this regard, the Eurovision Song Contest is looked at from an affective perspective, where affective labour of participants and viewers not only accumulates attention, but also actively establishes different affects relating to Europe. I interviewed several hosts of delegations of the countries-participants in the 2014 ESC in Copenhagen to investigate the place of the notions of Europe in the ESC affective economies. I found that the affective impact of the Copenhagen ESC did not clearly shape notions of Europe directly in itself, but did consolidate the images of “divisions” within and beyond Europe.