I Like You if You Are Like Me: How the Italians’ Opinion on Twitter About Migrants Changed After the 2022 Russo-Ukrainian Conflict

For the past decade, immigration has taken center stage in the Italian public discourse, providing fertile ground for far-right parties to cultivate fear and ultimately nurturing sentiments of animosity and racism. The Russian invasion of Ukraine introduced a unique narrative as European white refugees sought shelter, diverging from the conventional refugee archetype ingrained within the Italian collective consciousness. Employing the tools of Network Science, this study aims to dissect whether the Russo-Ukrainian conflict in 2022 has triggered shifts in Italians’ viewpoints toward refugees. Specifically, we delve into whether the proximity of the conflict and the ethnic parallels between refugees and Italians have prompted changes in attitudes toward refugees. Through an exploration of the intricate interplay between international conflict, social network dynamics, and evolving sentiments, this research contributes to understanding the intricate dynamics that underlie shifts in public sentiment regarding migration.