Institute for Global Analytics
We are an independent and nonpartisan nonprofit organization in Bulgaria, aspiring to harness social scientific research in the name of delivering pioneering analyses and solutions to pressing international political, social and economic problems.
Here you can find out more about our goals and values, international expert partnerships, publications and events. We look forward to cooperating with you!
Expert Network
IGA’s expert network encompasses leading international researchers, whose specializations span different regions of the world (e.g. Europe, East Asia) and varied thematic issue areas (security, gender, political economy).
Publications
New Briefing Paper: Teetering on the Brink of Regional Convergence
IGA has released its new briefing paper “Teetering on the Brink of Regional Convergence. Bulgarians’ Stances on Russia’s War against Ukraine, Strategic Orientation, Democracy, Media and Values vis-à-vis Central and Eastern Europe”. The study presents the results of in-depth public opinion polling conducted in Bulgaria in partnership with GLOBSEC. The findings demonstrate that Bulgarians are …
New Briefing Paper: Teetering on the Brink of Regional Convergence Read More »
New Briefing Paper: Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society
IGA has released its briefing paper “Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society. A Conceptual and Institutional Blueprint”. The publication details four main aspects that need to be taken into account when building strategic communications: Definition and scope; Institutional location; Wider and interlinked networks of collaboration; Тarget audience and appropriate range of strategic communications …
New Briefing Paper: Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society Read More »
New Report: History Undone. Russia’s Historical Disinformation, Bulgaria’s Memory Politics and Lessons for Dealing with the Past from Central and Eastern Europe
IGA has released its newest report History Undone. Russia’s Historical Disinformation, Bulgaria’s Memory Politics and Lessons for Dealing with the Past from Central and Eastern Europe. The report focuses on the distortion and falsification of history as the crucial factor that underpins the Kremlin’s media influence campaigns in Bulgaria based on the narrative about the …
Ukraine Insider, Part 4: Invisible Hierarchies in Russian Cultural Domination of Ukraine
IGA has published the fourth part of its paper series “Ukraine Insider”, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. The series aims to better acquaint the Bulgarian and international audience with trends on the ground and counter …
Ukraine Insider, Part 4: Invisible Hierarchies in Russian Cultural Domination of Ukraine Read More »
Article: The Crimean Challenge to a Russian-Ukrainian Armistice
In his article, Dr. Andreas Umland argues that differentiating between Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the invasion of 2022 is not a viable way for peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, although surrendering to the peninsula’s annexed status as an ‘established fact’ may be presented as a pragmatic approach. Instead, Dr. Umland points …
Article: The Crimean Challenge to a Russian-Ukrainian Armistice Read More »
Article: Domestic Hindrances for a Russian-Ukrainian Truce
In his article, Dr. Andreas Umland highlights the range of domestic political factors in both Ukraine and Russia, which militate against a peace deal that would involve the swap of lands. Dr. Umland underscores that ‘pragmatic’ proposals for such a deal are unrealistic – albeit rooted in the Realist theory of International Relations, as they …
Article: Domestic Hindrances for a Russian-Ukrainian Truce Read More »
Article: Bulgarian elections and the Indo-Pacific: Worlds apart
In an article for the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, Dr. Rumena Filipova highlights the crucial missing global element in the incessant Bulgarian election mode: the dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Why and how to remedy the fact that Sofia neglects those dynamics to its own peril and increasingly so to that of its international …
Article: Bulgarian elections and the Indo-Pacific: Worlds apart Read More »
Article: Domestic Political Developments in Wartime Ukraine since February 2022
In their article, Petro Burkovskiy, Executive Director of the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation, and Dr. Andreas Umland, Analyst at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, provide an overview of domestic political developments in Ukraine since the start of the 2022 war. The authors point out that despite the significant nationally unifying tendencies and democratic …
Article: Domestic Political Developments in Wartime Ukraine since February 2022 Read More »
Ukraine Insider, Part 3: Russia against Ukraine on the Informational Front
IGA has published the third part of its paper series “Ukraine Insider”, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. The series aims to better acquaint the Bulgarian and international audience with trends on the ground and counter …
Ukraine Insider, Part 3: Russia against Ukraine on the Informational Front Read More »
Article: Bulgaria: Drifting Apart from Europe
In her new article for Eurozine, Dr. Rumena Filipova assesses the state of democracy in Bulgaria in the context of the fifth election in two years. The foreign policy implications of the domestic impasse include a degree of self-isolation, insufficient European integration and perception of the country as a challenge to regional and allied security. …
Report: Beyond the Dumpling Alliance
IGA has contributed to the new study of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, which provides a comparative analysis of relations between Taiwan and 12 Central and East European countries. Each country-level chapter includes an overview of the key Taiwan-related developments across the political, economic and societal domain. Moreover, the analysis shows how different …
Briefing paper: Russian Media Influence in Southeast Europe
IGA’s briefing paper presents the key trends of Russian media influence in Southeast Europe and Bulgaria, specifically, further offering policy recommendations. Read the briefing paper
Ukraine Insider, Part 2: Catalyzing Change
IGA has published the second part of its paper series “Ukraine Insider”, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. The series aims to better acquaint the Bulgarian and international audience with trends on the ground and counter Russian …
How the West Can Help Ukraine
Dr. Andreas Umland provides a comprehensive analysis and policy recommendations as to how the West can continue to support Ukraine in the military, humanitarian, political and economic field. The paper singles out, in particular, accelerating prospects for Kyiv’s EU and NATO integration, the importance of instituting guarantees against political risk for investments in the reconstruction …
Report: Authoritarians on a Media Offensive in the Midst of War
The Institute for Global Analytics – together with its partners the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Programme South East Europe and the European Council on Foreign Relations, have released a new report: Authoritarians on a Media Offensive in the Midst of War. The Informational Influence of Russia, China, Turkey, Iran and the Gulf States in Southeast …
Report: Authoritarians on a Media Offensive in the Midst of War Read More »
Ukraine Insider, Part 1: Why Russia Started the War, and How Putin Misunderstood Ukraine
IGA is launching its paper series “Ukraine Insider”, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. The series aims to better acquaint the Bulgarian and international audience with trends on the ground and counter Russian disinformation’s misrepresentations and …
Ukraine Insider, Part 1: Why Russia Started the War, and How Putin Misunderstood Ukraine Read More »
China-Europe Academic Engagement Tracker
IGA participated in an international project, organized by the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), mapping the academic interactions between universities in Central and Eastern Europe and their Chinese counterparts. A pioneering China-Europe Academic Engagement Tracker has been produced, which provides a comprehensive record of how European academic institutions engage with China, helps understand …
Article: Bulgaria’s Balancing Act
In her article for Eurozine, Dr. Rumena Filipova discusses how Bulgarian stances favoring ‘balancing’ and ‘neutrality’ resurfaced in the context of the Ukraine war. The longer-term explanations of Bulgaria’s identity and policy ambivalence and the possibilities for change draw on the findings of Dr. Filipova’s book ‘Constructing the Limits of Europe. Identity and Foreign Policy …
New Book: Constructing the Limits of Europe. Identity and Foreign Policy in Poland, Bulgaria, and Russia since 1989
Dr. Rumena Filipova’s new book has been officially released and is now available in libraries and bookshops. It examines the reasons for the differential Europeanization of Central and Eastern Europe since 1989, which ultimately culminated in the Ukraine war and the energy standoff between Russia and Poland and Bulgaria. The book asks: why have some …
Article: Conspiracy theories in Bulgaria
In an article for the GeoPost, Dr. Rumena Filipova discusses the root causes and popularity of conspiratorial thinking in Bulgaria as well as the key conspiracy narratives disseminated in the context of the Ukraine war. You can read the full article here.
Article: Romania – Determined Action on the Ukrainian-Russian Frontline
In her article for the GeoPost, Dr. Rumena Filipova argues that Romania’s response to the Russian war on Ukraine has represented an active stance in line with the established patterns of Romanian foreign policy and Russian-Romanian relations. You can read the full article here.
Article: Bulgaria’s Russia Dilemma
In an article for the GeoPost, Dr. Rumena Filipova argues that Bulgaria’s ambivalence about its positioning between East and West has been reactivated politically, societally and in foreign policy terms within the context of the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. Calls for neutrality undermine the quality of Bulgaria’s membership in the EU and NATO. You can …
Blog post: Breaking theoretical and empirical boundaries in democracy research
In a blog post for the European Consortium for Political Research, Dr. Gergana Dimova argues in favor of overcoming the disciplinary clash between comparative politics and democratic theory. Accordingly, holistic knowledge can strengthen the rigor and link between theoretical assumptions and empirical evidence in democracy research. You can read the full article here.
Blog post: Towards a global and multi-dimensional response to disinformation
Dr. Rumena Filipova has taken part in the International Visitor Leadership Program on media responsibility in an age of disinformation, organized by the US Department of State. In a blog post for CRDFGlobal, she outlines key insights emerging from discussions among leading American media specialists and IVLP fellows from around the world on how to …
Blog post: Towards a global and multi-dimensional response to disinformation Read More »
Upcoming Book: “Constructing the Limits of Europe: Identity and Foreign Policy in Poland, Bulgaria, and Russia since 1989”
Dr. Rumena Filipova’s new book “Constructing the Limits of Europe. Identity and Foreign Policy in Poland, Bulgaria and Russia since 1989” is announced in the Columbia University Press Spring catalog (p.84). Release date: 30 April 2022. The author extends her special thanks to the editor Dr. Andreas Umland, foreword authors Professor Harald Wydra (Cambridge) and Dr. …
Article: Bulgarian Parliamentary Elections, Round Three
Dr. Gergana Dimova analyzes the victory of political newcomer “We Continue the Change” in the November 2021 parliamentary elections in Bulgaria. The article focuses on education as a factor in the electorate’s political choices and further discusses the budding transition from “personalities to policies and to process”. You can read the analysis here: Bulgarian-Elections-This-time-it-might-work-IGA
Report: Chinese corrosive capital in Bulgaria and Romania
The publication is produced as part of the Authoritarian Corrosive Capital in CEE series, edited by the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS), and prepared thanks to a financial contribution from the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). Read the Report
News
International Conference: CEE Cooperation Summit – Europe’s Rising Power
IGA took part in the international conference Cooperation Summit – Europe’s Rising Power organized by Warsaw Institute Foundation in cooperation with Central & Eastern Europe Council – CEEC, which took place on November 30, 2023, in Warsaw. The event featured discussions of the strategic, political, media and economic opportunities and challenges ahead of Central and …
International Conference: CEE Cooperation Summit – Europe’s Rising Power Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova on History, Attitudes of the Youth, Media and Democracy in a Podcast for BG Science
In a podcast for BG Science, Dr. Rumena Filipova discussed pro-Russian biases in history teaching in the Bulgarian educational system; the anti-democratic and anti-Western tendencies among young Bulgarians; the reasons behind the eager consumption of pro-Russian disinformation. She drew on and presented IGA’s most recent reports: History Undone, Teetering on the Brink of Regional Convergence …
IGA Welcomes a Class of US Exchange Students
IGA was pleased to welcome a class of US students on a study abroad exchange program in Germany, Bulgaria and Greece. Dr. Rumena Filipova gave a lecture, which focused on three main topics: Russian influence on the Bulgarians’ historical perceptions (on the basis of the pro-Russian biases in the content of history textbooks, policies …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Military TV Channel
In an interview for Military TV, Dr. Rumena Filipova presented the pro-Russian biases in the content of history textbooks as examined in IGA’s report History Undone. She also discussed the Biden-Xi meeting, relations between Russia and China, the EU’s role in the context of the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. Listen to the interview (in Bulgarian)
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on the Upcoming Biden-Xi Meeting
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson discussed the expected outcomes of the upcoming Biden-Xi meeting in San Francisco. In focus: how the Chinese economic downturn will affect Beijing’s position in international affairs and whether Europe will forge a more consolidated stance in the face of Chinese competition in the sphere of electric …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Radio FOCUS on IGA’s New Reports
In an interview for Radio FOCUS, Dr. Rumena Filipova discussed IGA’s three newest reports and related conclusions: how the deepening of pro-Russian and intolerant views in Bulgarian society can be countered through effective strategic communications and the development of memory politics, which can lead to a reassessment of perceptions of the role of Russia in …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Radio FOCUS on IGA’s New Reports Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Misuses of History in the Wars against Ukraine and Israel for Denyat
Dr. Rumena Filipova gave an interview for Denyat with Veselin Dremdzhiev, in which she outlined the ways in which history is misused in attempts to ‘justify’ the aggression against Ukraine and Israel. She also detailed the extent of pro-Russian disinformation on social media in Bulgaria and the favorable portrayal of the otherwise negative repercussions of …
NOVA TV Features IGA’s Report History Undone
In an interview for NOVA TV, Dr. Rumena Filipova presented key findings from ‘History Undone’, including the character of Russian foreign policy; Moscow’s influence over the Bulgarians’ historical perceptions; the unresolved question of the status of Soviet monuments in Bulgaria; the dissemination of pro-Kremlin disinformation on social media. Listen to the whole interview (in Bulgarian)
International Conference, 20 October: Fostering Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society
The Institute for Global Analytics is convening the international conference Fostering Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society: Comparative Best Practices from across Europe . It will take place on October 20 at Grand Hotel Sofia, Serdica Hall, between 10 am and 2:30 pm. The event will bring together experts from various European countries …
Euro-Atlantic Resilience Forum: Resilience at Sea and its Impact on Land
IGA attended the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Forum, which was organized by the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre and took place on September 28-29, 2023 at the Romanian Senate and Parliament. Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in a panel on the prospects ahead of EU and NATO enlargement to the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries. She singled out …
Euro-Atlantic Resilience Forum: Resilience at Sea and its Impact on Land Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova Discusses ‘History Undone’ on Darik Radio
In a wide-ranging interview for Darik, IGA’s chairperson discussed the distorted and incomplete presentation of Russia and omissions of authoritative historical material in history textbooks; pro-Kremlin historical disinformation in the media; the models that Central and East European countries’ experience offer for dealing with communist-era monuments. Listen to the interview (in Bulgarian)
Presentation of IGA’s ‘History Undone’ on Euronews
Dr. Rumena Filipova presented ‘History Undone’ on Euronews, highlighting the silence, positive representation of Russia in history textbooks and shifting of interpretive responsibility to the students; Bulgaria’s continued lack of decisive stance on Soviet monumental heritage and why it is important to forge a clear memory politics for Sofia’s current domestic and foreign challenges and …
Presentation of IGA’s ‘History Undone’ on Euronews Read More »
IGA’s ‘History Undone’ Featured in Dnevnik
IGA’s report ‘History Undone’ receives extensive coverage in Dnevnik. Read the whole article (in Bulgarian)
Debunking Disinformation about the Euro for bTV
In an interview for bTV, Dr. Rumena Filipova singled out the disinformation narratives against the Euro and tallied those to IGA’s analysis of public opinion trends regarding the introduction of the European currency in Bulgaria. Listen to the interview (in Bulgarian)
Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Three Seas Initiative and Geopolitical Developments for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson commented on the new impetus that the Three Seas Initiative received in Bucharest: plans for the expansion of investment capacity, focus on building small modular nuclear reactors and transport links of a regional scale. Also in focus in the interview: the different positions of the G20 and …
Three Seas Summit and Business Forum
Dr. Rumena Filipova represented IGA at the Three Seas Summit and Business Forum, which took place in Bucharest on September 6-7, 2023. The gathering charted out new projects and perspectives for further deepening connectivity in the region, including through enhanced railway connections, application of the small modular nuclear reactor technology, improved cybersecurity and expanding the …
Dr. Rumena Filipova on Prigozhin’s Demise for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson commented on the latest developments regarding Prigozhin: why the timing of his (almost confirmed) death shows that he may have had sufficient influence preventing an early reaction, which might have caused a greater uproar within the regime; what the mutiny has meant for the survival of …
Dr. Rumena Filipova on Prigozhin’s Demise for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova Features Report Findings on Historical Disinformation in Bulgarian Army Newspaper
In an article for Bulgarian Army (considered the oldest military and defense-focused newspaper in Europe), Dr. Rumena Filipova presents findings on Russian historical disinformation in Bulgaria from IGA’s newest report History Undone. The article zooms in on how the pro-Kremlin propagandist narrative about the seemingly unbreakable, fraternal, mutually beneficial and culturally-historically bound ties between Bulgaria …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on Black Sea Security and IGA’s New Report
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson discussed the security developments in the Black Sea region, their trade implications, the status of the Montreux Convention, all of which point to the fact that Bulgaria had to start its military modernization much earlier. Dr. Rumena Filipova also presented IGA’s new report on Russia’s militarization …
Panel Discussion: The Three Seas Initiative in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in a panel discussion on the current state and prospects for Bulgaria’s and Czechia’s involvement in the Three Seas Initiative, organized by the Warsaw Institute on 18 July 2023. IGA’s chairperson participated alongside Jan Lupomesky (Expert on Central Europe and the Three Seas Initiative) and Katja-Elisabeth Herrmann (Research Fellow at …
Panel Discussion: The Three Seas Initiative in the Czech Republic and Bulgaria Read More »
Mediapool Features IGA’s Ukraine Insider
Mediapool has featured the third paper in IGA’s Ukraine Insider series, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. In the third edition, Mariam Naiem highlights Russia’s cultural and linguistic suppression of Ukraine, which shows that cultural decolonization …
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria: Zelensky’s Visit to Bulgaria Restores Bulgaria’s Foreign Policy Credibility
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova discussed the crucial symbolic importance of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Sofia, which took place on July 6, 2023. It reconfirmed Bulgaria’s Euro-Atlantic foreign policy orientation and security commitments. Also in focus was the significance of a NATO membership perspective for Ukraine and the …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Discusses Prigozhin’s Uprising for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson analyzed Evgeny Prigozhin’s uprising: its likely causes and consequences, Lukashenko’s role, and the expected repercussions for the Russian regime. Watch the interview (in Bulgarian)
International Conference: Countering Foreign Interference
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the international conference Countering Foreign Interference: CFI Dialogues 2023, which was organized by the European Union Institute for Strategic Studies and the European University Institute. The event took place on June 20-21, 2023, in Florence. The discussions centered on EU’s as well as its international partners’ approaches and tools …
International Conference: Countering Foreign Interference Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by TRT World on the Formation of the New Government
In an interview for TRT World, IGA’s chairperson discussed the formation of the new government in Bulgaria, including its main foreign policy aims, potential risks ahead as well as ways of dealing with the pro-Russian challenge. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOz7GzHowsE&list=PLUW304lJeu3VGmaoVuA20hCgN6q3kmk70&index=2
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Radio France Internationale on Bulgarian-Ukrainian relations
In an article for Radio France International, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the impact of pro-Russian propaganda in Bulgaria on attitudes towards Ukraine, particularly as regards weapons exports and refugees. Also in focus: the new government’s Euro-Atlantic orientation as underwriting a much more decisive stance in support of Kyiv, including militarily, and Bulgaria’s further European …
GLOBSEC Forum 2023
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the GLOBSEC Forum, which was held on 29-31 May 2023 in Bratislava. She participated in roundtable discussions related to AI and its impact on trustworthy information as well as ongoing developments and future trends for bolstering a predictable AI regulatory framework. Dr. Filipova also participated in the launch and …
Brazil Lecture: Russian, Chinese and Turkish Influence in Southeast Europe
Dr. Vinicius Rodrigues Vieira and Dr. Rumena Filipova conducted a lecture for Brazilian students on the topic of Russian, Chinese and Turkish influence, particularly in the media sphere, in the Balkans. The discussion drew out similarities and difference in the Latin American and Central and East European experience regarding foreign influence and democratization.
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV on the Results of the G7 Summit
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova discussed the outcomes of the G7 summit, the agreed dispatch of F-16s to Ukraine and the geostrategic configuration in the Indo-Pacific. Watch the interview
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Darik Radio on the Outcomes of IGA’s International Conference
In an interview for Darik radio, IGA’s chairperson talked about the outcomes of the international conference that the Institute held on May 19. Also in focus were historical disinformation, history textbooks policy in Bulgaria and the portrayal of Russia in them; Chinese influence in Bulgaria, including Huawei, Confucius institutes and the growing academic cooperation between …
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Darik Radio on the Outcomes of IGA’s International Conference Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Dir.bg on IGA’s International Conference
In the run-up to IGA’s international conference on May 19, Dr. Rumena Filipova talked to dir.bg about the significance of the standoff between democracy and autocracy for global and domestic politics; the need for a greater Bulgarian diplomatic focus on its Baltic and Central European counterparts; the importance of identity politics and history in international …
Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Dir.bg on IGA’s International Conference Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria: Bulgaria Needs to Cooperate with CEE Countries to Counter the Ambitions of Russia and China
In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova highlighted IGA’s upcoming conference on 19 May: Central and Eastern Europe on the Frontlines: Forging Collaborative Solutions to Foreign Authoritarian-State Influence. Also in focus were questions related to the development of EU-China relations and the French position, the Baltic countries’ fraught ties with Beijing, why …
Central and Eastern Europe on the Frontlines against Russia and China: International Conference 19 May
The Institute for Global Analytics is convening the international conference Central and Eastern Europe on the Frontlines: Forging Collaborative Solutions to Foreign Authoritarian-State Influence. It will take place on May 19 at Sofia Hotel Balkan Palace, Serdica Grand Hall, between 9 am and 5 pm. The event will gather a range of experts from across Central …
Chatham House Event: How Russia’s war affects politics in southeast Europe
An online discussion on the topic of how Russia’s war in Ukraine has impacted politics in southeast Europe took place on April 4, 2023, organized by the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House. The event was chaired by Professor Kataryna Wolczuk, Associate Fellow, Chatham House, professor of East European Politics, University of Birmingham. …
Chatham House Event: How Russia’s war affects politics in southeast Europe Read More »
IGA Publishes New Video on Russian Disinformation
In its new video, IGA presents comparative, cross-national trends of Russian disinformation in Southeast Europe, other parts of Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India. Responses for building resilience are also laid out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-KgLBDgNYE
Mediapool Features IGA’s Ukraine Insider
Mediapool has featured the second paper in IGA’s Ukraine Insider series, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. You can read the full article (in Bulgarian) here.
Panel Discussion: What Next for Bulgaria and Croatia in the Three Seas Initiative?
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in a panel discussion on the current state and prospects for Bulgaria’s and Croatia’s involvement in the Three Seas Initiative, organized by the Warsaw Institute on 13 December 2022. IGA’s chairperson participated alongside Aleksander Arabadźić (President of the Academy of European Careers) and Katja-Elisabeth Herrmann (Analyst at the Warsaw Institute). …
Panel Discussion: What Next for Bulgaria and Croatia in the Three Seas Initiative? Read More »
REDEM Conference: Equality and Electoral Democracy
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the international conference organized by REDEM: Reconstructing Democracy in Times of Crisis: A Voter-Centred Perspective, a Horizon 2020 project. Discussions were centered on a wide range of fundamental questions underpinning the challenges and development of democracy, including the right to stand and political competition; forging compromise; voting arrangements; the …
REDEM Conference: Equality and Electoral Democracy Read More »
Meta Conference: “Experts on Misinformation in CEE”
IGA analyst Barbara Bačová attended the “Experts on misinformation in CEE” conference hosted by Meta that took place on November 16 in Warsaw and explored the spread of misinformation in Central and Eastern Europe during the war in Ukraine. The event was attended by the leading NGOs and think tanks dealing with the information sphere in the …
Meta Conference: “Experts on Misinformation in CEE” Read More »
Joining Forces Against Misinformation: Science and Journalism in Central and Eastern Europe
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the international conference “Joining Forces Against Misinformation: Science and Journalism in Central and Eastern Europe”. The event took place on November 15 in Prague/online and was organized by the international network SCIENCE+ run by global media development foundation Free Press Unlimited and its Prague-based sister organization Free Press for …
4th International Forum on European Ukraine
Dr. Rumena Filipova participated in the 4th International Forum on European Ukraine “Overcoming Russia’s war against Ukraine: Strengthening links between political decision makers & civil society organizations in Europe”. It was organized by CivilM+ and took place on November 15-16 in Berlin. IGA’s chairperson spoke on a panel, which discussed the variety of Russian channels …
Dr. Rumena Filipova interviewed by Deutsche Welle on Chinese disinformation interference in the US midterms
In an interview for Deutsche Welle, IGA’s chairperson commented on the Chinese attempts to interfere in the US elections by sowing division and how China increasingly copies the Russian disinformation strategies and narratives. You can read the full article (in Bulgarian) here.
Mediapool Features IGA’s Ukraine Insider
Mediapool has featured the first paper in IGA’s Ukraine Insider series, where international experts on Ukraine analyze the crucial political-historical, media, and economic developments taking place in the country since the start of the Kremlin’s invasion. You can read the full article (in Bulgarian) here.
Panel Discussion: Countering Disinformation in the Public Sphere
IVLP Impact Award recipients discussed their work and ways to strengthen community resistance to disinformation and fake news through media literacy at a panel discussion on October 19, 2022, organized by Meridian International Center. Dr. Rumena Filipova moderated the discussion with Debora Peci, project manager in good governance at Democracy Plus, a think tank in …
Panel Discussion: Countering Disinformation in the Public Sphere Read More »
To Be Secure International Forum
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the To Be Secure International Forum, organized by the Atlantic Council of Montenegro on 6-8 October 2022. The Forum brought together leading experts and officials from Southeast Europe and the Transatlantic area. Key topics of discussion focused on the political vision of decision-makers in Montenegro and the region; the …
Dr. Rumena Filipova comments on the Bulgarian parliamentary elections for Al Jazeera
In an interview with Al Jazeera, IGA’s chairperson analyzed the role of Russian influence in the context of the parliamentary elections that took place in Bulgaria on October 2, 2022. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=RQlE360x6Eg&feature=youtu.be
International Interdisciplinary Seminar: Information Disorders in Politics, Media and Historical Memories
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in an international interdisciplinary seminar on Information disorders in politics, media and historical memories organized by ICDS-International Centre for Defence and Security (Estonia) and Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb)/Federal Agency for Civic Education (Germany). The conference took place between 21 and 25 September 2022 in Laulasmaa-Tallinn, Estonia. Key topics of …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio on the referenda in Ukraine and Russia’s military mobilization
IGA’s chairperson was interviewed by the Bulgarian National Radio on the referenda in Ukraine, the impact of the military mobilization in Russia on the protest mood in the country, the policies and attitudes in Europe towards the Russians fleeing from mobilization. You can listen to the full interview (in Bulgarian) here.
New Job Vacancy: IGA is Hiring an Analyst
Job description and requirements IGA is seeking to hire a part-time analyst to support the Institute in its ongoing work on Russian media influence in Bulgaria and the wider Central and East European region. Click the button above for more information. Deadline for submitting your application: September 15, 2022, to rfilipova@globalanalytics-bg.org We look forward to …
Three Seas Partnership Inaugurating Event: The Perspectives of Austria and Bulgaria
The Institute for Global Analytics is pleased to have joined the Three Seas Partnership, a platform for cooperation coordinated by the Warsaw Institute. The Partnership brings together think tanks from member states of the Three Seas Initiative with the aim to devise and implement ideas for civil-societal and policy-making collaboration within the region. In an …
Three Seas Partnership Inaugurating Event: The Perspectives of Austria and Bulgaria Read More »
Dr. Rumena Filipova interviewed by TRT World about the political crisis in Bulgaria
IGA’s chairperson discussed the political situation in Bulgaria, the prospects for the upcoming snap election and relations with North Macedonia for a TRT World report on Bulgarian politics. You can watch the full interview below, starting at 19:42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=2VeL7JyIh-8&t=1234s&fbclid=IwAR2N2TvfAtq_Ke419LRQpFW2nvyGoZ5d8gkJ365CKibd-vx21g7qUv_XMAE
Dr. Rumena Filipova interviewed by Deutsche Welle on Chinese universities, Confucius Institutes and Huawei in Bulgaria
In an interview for Deutsche Welle featuring China’s cultural-educational influence in Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson points out the scope of Bulgarian universities’ contracts with their Chinese counterparts; the lack of transparency of Confucius Institute operations and the subnational involvement of Huawei in Bulgaria’s tertiary education system. You can read the full article in German here.
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Deutsche Welle about Chinese academic influence in Bulgaria
In an interview for Deutsche Welle, IGA’s chairperson discusses the interconnection between Russian and Chinese influence in Bulgaria. She emphasizes the growing academic presence of China, which is perceived as an opportunity in Bulgaria, while there is a lack of debate and regulations about the dangers of this presence. Pro-Chinese bias in political science and …
International Conference: China-Europe Academic Engagement
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in a conference in Bratislava on 24 June 2022 organized by the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (Slovakia). The event presented the findings from a cross-national project mapping the academic interactions between universities in Central and Eastern Europe and their Chinese counterparts. Dr. Filipova spoke alongside Samuel Spáč (Transparency …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Geopost about the political crisis in Bulgaria
In an interview for the Geopost, Dr. Rumena Filipova analyzed the political crisis in Bulgaria following ITN’s withdrawal from the coalition government. She stresses that the political crisis is a reflection of significant and long-term processes taking place in many sectors of Bulgarian society, based on a struggle between the post-communist status quo and the …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio about cross-regional perspectives on Russian disinformation
In an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Dr. Rumena Filipova presented the key conclusions from the international hybrid roundtable, which took place on 1 June 2022. In focus was a comparative approach to the media influence of authoritarian states (Russia and China) in Europe but also in other regions and countries of the world, …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Capital Daily about the EC’s proposals for asset freezes
In an interview for Capital Daily, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented that the European Commission’s proposals for freezing and confiscating assets of oligarchs have been spurred by Russia’s war on Ukraine, as for a long time Russian oligarchs had been able to unproblematically use their wealth in Europe. The proposals also seek to establish a common …
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Science+ Media Training: Tackling Medical Disinformation
On May 19 and 20, 2022 a pilot training for Bulgarian journalists was conducted as part of the platform Science+ developed by Free Press for Eastern Europe (Czechia) and Free Press Unlimited. The training took place in Sofia Tech Parк and focused on equipping the trainees with conceptual and practical tools to recognize medial disinformation …
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International Conference: Three Seas One Opportunity
Dr. Rumena Filipova participated in the international conference Three Seas One Opportunity, which was held on May 18-19, 2022 in Zielona Góra, Poland, and was organized by the Institute of Political Sciences and Administration of the University of Zielona Góra, the “Układ Sił” monthly magazine and Collegium Nobilium Opoliense. IGA’s chairperson took part in a …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Deutsche Welle about Bulgaria’s domestic political situation
IGA’s Chairperson discussed Bulgaria’s growing political polarization with regard to Russia, the dilemmas and purpose of reaching a political compromise on military assistance to Ukraine and Kyiv’s role in the process. You can read the full article (in German) here.
Media training. Generation Z: Building up disinformation resilience in the leaders of tomorrow
Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in a media training, organized by the American-Bulgarian Alumni Association in partnership with the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia and the Atlantic Club of Bulgaria. The workshop consisted of a series of lectures aimed at teaching media literacy skills for identifying disinformation to young professionals, activists and students from Bulgaria and …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to der Tagesspiegel on Russia’s cutoff of gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria
IGA’s chairperson commented on Russia’s cutoff of gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria for der Tagesspiegel. She asks: Why did Russia target Poland and Bulgaria (apart from issues regarding contract terms): two countries with different historical perceptions of Russia and current policies towards the Ukraine war? The Kremlin attacks even those that traditionally try to …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to der Tagesspiegel: Bulgaria’s conundrum about military assistance to Ukraine
IGA’s chairperson gave an interview for the Tagesspiegel regarding Bulgaria’s conundrum about weapons exports to Ukraine. She commented on the necessity of communicating to the public why sending military assistance is vital and why hesitation in joining NATO positions may reinforce perceptions of Bulgaria as an ambivalent ally. You can read the full article (in …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Bulgaria On Air
In an interview for TV channel Bulgaria On Air, IGA’s chairperson highlighted how Russian propaganda uses children and the elderly as a key disinformation tactic as well as how it instrumentalizes the historical legacy of the Great Patriotic War. You can listen to the whole interview (in Bulgarian) here.
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Deutsche Welle on Bulgaria’s Russia vulnerabilities
In the interview for DW, IGA’s Chairperson highlights the continuing pro-Russian inclinations of sections of the Bulgarian political and military elite. You can read the full article (in German) here.
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to KosovaPress
In the interview, IGA Chairperson talks about the impact of the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine on the international order; its likely repercussions for the Balkans; the trajectory of Western policy, including further military commitment. You can watch the video in English here.
International Conference: Russian Influence in the Balkans in the Midst of the Ukraine War
The conference was organized by the Geopost and took place in Pristina, Kosovo. Key insights and concerns from leading experts and diplomats of the region were related to the impact of Russian aggression on the Europeanization and security of Balkan countries. Dr. Rumena Filipova spoke about the Kremlin’s influence operations in Southeast Europe with a …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio about the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine
In an interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Dr. Rumena Filipova pointed out that in addition to its military aggression in Ukraine, Russia is intensifying the propaganda war in the direction of historical disinformation. Beijing and Moscow are likely to continue to come closer to each other. You can listen to the interview (in Bulgarian) …
Dr. Plamen Ivanov speaks to Capital Daily
In interviews for Capital Daily, Dr. Plamen Ivanov analyzes key trends and prospects for the British economy. He identifies a complex mix of factors that can lead to a negative economic fallout, including continuing trade difficulties with the EU, shortages of labor force and inflation. In the energy sector, an unstable retail energy market, insufficient …
Below the Radar podcast – Simon Fraser University Vancity Office of Community Engagement
Dr. Rumena Filipova spoke to host Am Johal for the Below the Radar podcast. The conversation features a preview of Dr. Filipova’s forthcoming book and a discussion of the causes of nationalism in Central Europe; the similarities and differences of Russian (media) influence in Europe; the confluence of Russia’s and China’s ideas and activities; and …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova comments on the Russia-West standoff over Ukraine on TV Europe
In an interview for TV Europe, Dr. Rumena Filipova argues that the current standoff over Ukraine has to be looked at through the prism of the history of Russia-West relations at least since 1989. The clash over NATO expansion is a manifestation of the larger development of ideational incompatibility. Moscow reacts emotionally to the expansion …
Dr. Rumena Filipova comments on the Russia-West standoff over Ukraine on TV Europe Read More »
International Conference: Sustainable Recovery in Post-Pandemic Era. Green Economy Challenges
Dr. Gergana Dimova was the keynote speaker at the international scientific conference “Sustainable Recovery in Post-Pandemic Era. Green Economy Challenges”, which took place on 7-8 December 2021. The conference was organized by the Institute of Social Sciences (Centre for Economic Research) from Serbia, the Institute for Sociological, Political and Juridical Research, Ss. Cyril and Methodius …
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Al Jazeera
Bulgaria in the midst of its third parliamentary election in 2021: Dr. Rumena Filipova shares her perspective for Al Jazeera on the role of Russian disinformation and its connections to far-right nationalist groups in the dissemination of COVID-related propagandist claims. You can watch the full interview here.
Dr. Rumena Filipova for Kosovo’s GeoPost on Russian influence in the Balkans
Dr. Rumena Filipova spoke to Kosovo’s GeoPost regarding the Kremlin’s extensive influence operations in the Balkans with a particular reference to recent events in Bulgaria, Serbia, North Macedonia. You can read the full interview here.
International Conference: Questions of Accountability
Dr. Gergana Dimova and Dr. Rumena Filipova took part in the international conference ‘Questions of Accountability: Prerogatives, Power and Politics’, organized by the University of Worcester. The online event was held between 1 and 5 November 2021. Key topics of discussion included the link between media, populism and accountability across diverse geographical regions such as …
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Podcast: Dangers and Implications of Foreign Authoritarian Economic Influence
Dr. Rumena Filipova converses with Patrik Szicherle for Political Capital’s podcast on foreign authoritarian economic influence. Some of the questions discussed include the similarities and differences of Russian and Chinese strategies for establishing economic clout; whether foreign malign actors should be altogether excluded from public procurement projects; and comparisons of Chinese economic influence in Hungary …
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Conference: The Private Sector’s Role in Combating Corrosive Capital in Central Europe
The online conference marked the culmination of the paper series on corrosive capital in Central Europe, organized by the Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) and supported by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). Jeffrey Lightfoot, CIPE Program Director, Europe, moderated the discussion with Matej Šimalčík, Executive Director of CEIAS, Nina Pejič, Junior …
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Budapest Forum. Building Sustainable Democracies
Dr. Rumena Filipova has taken part in the Budapest Forum, convened by the City of Budapest, Political Capital Institute and CEU Democracy Institute. Dr. Filipova spoke about Chinese influence in Bulgaria and Romania on the panel “Responding to the Chinese Communist Party’s Strategies of Subnational Influence”, organized by the International Republican Institute. You can find …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Bloomberg TV Bulgaria
Dr. Rumena Filipova’s interview discusses the Russian parliamentary elections that took place between 17 and 19 September, including societal trends, the role of Alexey Navalny and the crackdown on the opposition. You can read the full interview (in Bulgarian) here.
Conference: “Disinformation: Open Societies, Hidden Wars”
Dr. Rumena Filipova has taken part in the international conference “Disinformation: Open Societies, Hidden Wars”, held by Germany’s Federal Agency for Civic Education and the Evangelische Akademie Tutzing. Dr. Filipova moderated a panel on disinformation and the coronavirus pandemic as well as a workshop situating disinformation in national contexts with a focus on Romania and …
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Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio
Dr. Rumena Filipova for the Bulgarian National Radio on the newly established Institute for Global Analytics: the role of women and the importance of ‘globality’ in the contemporary world.Also in focus: the scope and risks of Chinese corrosive capital in Bulgaria and the other countries from Central and Eastern Europe. Listen to the interview (in …
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Dr. Vinicius Rodrigues Vieira publishes a paper on global environmental politics in Post-Communist Economies
The research shows that post-Soviet states that have borrowed from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, but have also aligned with China have higher carbon emissions. You can find the full text here.
Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Deutsche Welle
Dr. Rumena Filipova discusses the dangers of and responses to Chinese corrosive capital in Central and Eastern Europe for Deutsche Welle.
Dr. Gergana Dimova joins the Editorial Board of the journal Democratic Theory
Dr. Gergana Dimova becomes Associate Editor of the journal Democratic Theory. The edition encourages innovative, cross-disciplinary, global contributions to the analysis of the key questions concerning democratization studies.