The journal The Balkans was launched in 2012 as a continuation of the eponymous series of the Institute of Balkan Studies, which existed in the period 1966–1989. The new format of the publication strives to present the multifaceted Balkans from different perspectives. Its main aim is to offer a forum for scholarly debate based on modern research methods, to reveal the essence and dynamics of historical and cultural processes, and to define the interaction between the universal and the unique in their course. The Journal’s mission is to contribute, on the basis of new knowledge, to the formation and dissemination of contemporary models for understanding the processes and phenomena influencing the development of the peoples of Southeastern Europe.

In each issue, The Balkans presents original research on a particular theme, with scholars from Bulgaria and abroad presenting their latest ideas and research projects. The “Sources” section presents previously unpublished sources revealing various aspects of the life of the peoples of Southeast Europe. The “Balkan Studies Chronicles” section reflects the intensive scientific life of the Institute of Balkan Studies & Center of Thracology (IB&CT) as a focal point of Balkan studies in Bulgaria and the region. Its natural continuation is the “Reviews and Responses” section, which offers an in-depth analysis of the most significant new books. The “Perspectives” section highlights the Institute’s doctoral programs and emerging scholars.

The Balkans features a modern design with rich and engaging illustrations, appealing to a broad audience well beyond academia. It is part of the Institute’s successful mission of intensive scientific exchange with academia and of actively sharing new knowledge with the public.

The Institute of Balkan Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences was founded on January 15, 1964 under the auspices of UNESCO. It was established as a research and educational center for languages, history, culture and modern development of the Balkans.

The Center of Thracology “Prof. Alexander Fol” is the successor to the Institute of Thracology at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, founded in 1972. It existed as an independent unit at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences until the reforms of 2010, when it was merged with the Institute of Balkan Studies, thus creating the Institute of Balkan Studies & Center of Thracology “Prof. Alexander Fol”.

As a multidisciplinary institute, the IB&CT-BAS studies the political, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural interactions in Southeast Europe and their interrelation with the processes taking place on the continent. The prestige of its scientists makes them valuable experts who cooperate with a number of Bulgarian and foreign state institutions, leading scientific organizations, libraries, museums, and cultural information centers. The Institute is a member of the UNESCO International Association for the Study of Southeastern Europe (AIESEE), and since 2015, a scientist from IB&CT-BAS has been its chairman.