Shots Of Faith: The Influence Of Christian Nationalism On Vaccination Behaviour In Ukraine, Georgia, Serbia, And Montenegro During The Covid-19 Pandemic

The intersection of religion and nationalism has been a significant topic of study within the fields of sociology and political science. Specifically, in the region that is the focus of this book, Orthodox Christianity has played a profound role in shaping governance and public discourse. The relationship between political elites, citizens, and Orthodox churches is such that they tend to agree on the unique role that the Orthodox faith plays in shaping national identity. This agreement has resulted in Orthodox churches having a legitimate voice in public debates, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent scholarly research has demonstrated that the fusion of religious and nationalistic beliefs can have a significant influence on individuals’ attitudes and behaviours related to pandemics. Studies have found that Christian nationalism is a predictor of anti-vaccination attitudes1 and opposition to science.2 Furthermore, an index of Christian nationalism predicted how and when Americans prioritise economic liberties and government COVID19 restrictions,3 support for Donald Trump,4 and anti-migration sentiments.5 These findings are crucial for understanding the complexity of the relationship between religion and nationalism and their impact on public health issues. Furthermore, they highlight the important role that Orthodox Christianity and its institutions (the various Orthodox churches) play in shaping the public discourse and decisionmaking process.