This cluster of papers explores the concept of national indifference and its role in shaping cultural identity, nationalism, and nation-building in Central Europe, particularly within the context of the Habsburg Monarchy. It delves into topics such as paramilitary violence, ethnic cleansing, the dynamics of state and civil society, and the unintended consequences of bureaucratic classification. The cluster provides insights into the complexities of identity formation and the interplay between nationalism, empire, and cultural diversity in this region.