News

Bruxelles, 05 June 2025 – Rescuing Democracy from Political Corruption in the Digital Age: that’s what RESPOND stands for. Launched with the ambition to explore how digital technologies and media are transforming, and in some cases threatening, democratic decision-making, RESPOND is a Horizon Europe-funded research project led by University of Bologna (Italy) that brings together …

RESPOND Turns One Read More »

In an interview with Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the phone call between Trump and Putin, which took place on May 19, 2025, the status of peace negotiations, Europe’s role and the reconfigurations in Asia. Key discussion points included: The US administration’s evolving role in managing the war in Ukraine Turkey’s foreign …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on Ukraine Peace Negotiations Read More »

Stoyan Panov, Senior Analyst at IGA, took part in the Respond project’s annual general meeting, which discussed the strategic directions of IGA’s and Respond’s joint research on political corruption in Europe. On 19-20 May, members of the RESPOND Consortium convened at the University of Bologna for an opportunity to align their collective efforts and look ahead. …

RESPOND General Meeting, University of Bologna Read More »

BeSTalks – Budapest Energy and Security Talks, May 19–20, 2025, Budapest, Hungary The conference, organized by the Egyensúly Intézet (Equilibrium Institute of Budapest), brought together international experts and policymakers to address pressing questions around NATO’s current state, the strategic direction of the new US administration, evolving defense capabilities, cybersecurity, the role of artificial intelligence in …

International Conference: BeSTalks, Budapest Read More »

In an interview with Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the outcomes of recent expert discussions and the strategic guidelines for the development of the Three Seas Initiative. Key points included: India’s growing interest as a political and economic partner for Central and Eastern Europe (CEE); the importance of expanding (associated) membership in …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on the Results of the Expert Discussions of the Three Seas Initiative Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova co-moderated together with Elene Kintsurashvili of GMF a workshop session on security dynamics in the Black Sea region. The discussion was held as part of the “Three Seas, One Opportunity” conference, organized by The Opportunity for Foreign Affairs. The conference – an official side event of the Three Seas Summit, took place …

International Conference: Three Seas One Opportunity Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova provided her expert commentary for a wide-ranging article in Deutsche Welle Bulgaria about the channels, methods and actors through which Chinese influence makes inroads in Bulgaria – including through the academic sector and media. Read the article (in Bulgarian)

IGA hosted US exchange students enrolled in an IES Study Abroad program in Germany, Bulgaria and Greece. Dr. Rumena Filipova’s lecture and subsequent discussion delved into the following topics related to European politics: State-sponsored hybrid threats from Russia and China; Memory politics in Central and Eastern Europe and history education in Bulgaria; Patterns in youth …

IGA Hosts Lecture for IES Study Abroad Exchange Students Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova conducted a two-day training on youth attitudes, vulnerabilities and citizen education in Bulgaria and Europe as part of the Up2youth initiative, which consists of four organizations, including  Foundation for Local Government Reform (Bulgaria), Fundacja Rozwoju Demokracji Lokalnej (Poland), EDUcentrum (Czechia) and Vidzeme (Latvia). The trainings encompassed 6 presentation sessions and related interactive …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Conducts Training on Youth Civic and Media Education Read More »

In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson commented on the similarities and differences between the situation in Ukraine and Taiwan; relations between the US and Taipei in the context of Chinese pressure for “reunification” and the consequences for the balance of power in Asia. Listen to the interview (in Bulgarian)

In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the prospects ahead of Europe against the background of the Munich Security Conference and the meeting in Paris on February 17, 2025: including the question about political  leadership in Europe and the structuring of relations among the European countries; NATO’s development and Russia’s …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on US-Europe Relations Read More »

In an interview for Visible and Invisible with Kalin Manolov, IGA’s chairperson commented on the key takeaways from the international conference “Europe on Edge”, including the similarities and differences in the hybrid methods applied to Central and Eastern Europe during elections; foreign interference in history, social movements and the academic sector; the development of security …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Visible and Invisible on the “Europe on Edge” Conference Read More »

Europe on Edge: Tackling Hybrid Warfare amid Elections, Foreign Influence and Unfinished Europeanization Regional Conference in Sofia, January 29 – Registration Open The Institute for Global Analytics is convening the international conference Europe on Edge. Tackling Hybrid Warfare amid Elections, Foreign Influence and Unfinished Europeanization. It will take place on January 29 at Grand Hotel …

Registration Open for International Conference: Europe on Edge Read More »

The 8th edition of the Bucharest Security Conference, organized by the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration (SNSPA), took place on November 29-30. The conference is one of the major events in Central and Eastern Europe, providing analysis and debate on the latest developments in the political and security environment of the countries …

International Event: Bucharest Security Conference 2024 Read More »

In an interview for Visible and Invisible, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the regional security trends in the Balkans, including the geostrategic fragmentation of Southeast Europe; the role of Serbia in the historical reconciliation process in the region; the potential impact of the new US administration on Serbia-Kosovo relations; the key conduits of Russian influence, …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Visible and Invisible on Regional Security in the Balkans Read More »

In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the potential ways in which the new US presidential administration will impact the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine; the increasing foreign policy focus in Washington on China and how Europe could contribute to developments in the Indo-Pacific, while balancing its priorities related …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg on the New US Administration’s Foreign Policy Read More »

The second edition of the international conference European Agora for Journalism “Artificial Intelligence, the Media, Europe and Me” was organized by Journalisme & Citoyenneté Association and the Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS) and took place in Brussels between November 20 and 22. The forum brought together information professionals, journalists, managers, academics, students and …

International Conference: European Agora for Journalism Read More »

In an interview for Alternativata with Kalin Manolov, IGA’s chairperson discussed the main trends in Bulgarian public opinion, including continuity and change between 2023 and 2024. Dr. Rumena Filipova underlined the Bulgarian respondents’ uncritical attitudes towards Russia and China (in contrast to other states in Central and Eastern Europe occupying a more critical stance) and …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed at Alternativata on Trends in Public Opinion Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova participated in the international conference Enhancing Information Resilience and Empowering International Cooperation to Counter Hybrid Threats, which took place on October 29-31, 2024 in Prague and was organized by CRDF Global in partnership with the Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation and Prague Security Studies Institute. Dr. Filipova presented …

International Conference: Enhancing Information Resilience Read More »

The official social media channels of the Horizon Europe-supported project RESPOND: Rescuing Democracy from Political Corruption in Digital Societies have been officially launched! Join and follow us for the latest news and insights on how to combat political corruption in Europe and promote democratic integrity. LinkedIn Facebook X YouTube

  Dr. Rumena Filipova gave a guest lecture on the topic of “Public opinion in Bulgaria: Continuity and Change in Attitudes” at the invitation of the International Relations Research Student Association (IRRSA) at the University of National and World Economy. Critical themes were discussed in relation to Bulgaria’s positions in international relations, the views and …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Gave a Guest Lecture at UNWE Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova was interviewed by col. Vladimir Milenski at Vidimo Nevidimo TV on the impact of the educational system, the manipulation of history and Russia’s cognitive-behavioral interference on the Bulgarian army and defense. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1GrNLy1lJM

The report “Hacking Minds and Machines. Foreign Interference in the Digital Era” was officially launched at an online LinkedIn discussion on October 10, 2024. The event featured three of the authors who presented their chapters: Dr. Rumena Filipova of IGA, Dr. Ivana Karásková, Founder and Project Leader of MapInfluenCE, and Dr. Patryk Pawlak, Professor at …

Launch Event: Hacking Minds and Machines Report Read More »

The European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats and the Federal Ministry of Defence of Austria organized the international conference “Demystifying Disinformation” and wargame exercise on countering disinformation in the Western Balkans, which took place on October 8-10 in Vienna and represented the ninth in an event series seeking to enhance the capacities of Hybrid CoE’s …

International Conference and Wargame: Demystifying Disinformation in the Western Balkans Read More »

Dr. Rumena Filipova represented IGA at the 2024 edition of the GLOBSEC Forum, which took place between 30 August and 1 September in Prague, Czechia. As one of Europe’s premier platforms for fostering international dialogue, the convention gathers government officials, academics, civil society and business leaders to debate and identify solutions to key social, economic …

GLOBSEC Forum 2024: Taming the Storm Read More »

In a statement for the Atlantic Council and the NATO Public Forum 2024, IGA’s chairperson underscored CEE countries’ 20th anniversary of accession to the Alliance, which represented a crucial impetus for military modernization, democratization of security policy and the achievement of an unparalleled level of security that was always elusive in previous historical periods. Link …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Comments on NATO’s 75th Anniversary for the Atlantic Council Read More »

In an interview for CEPA on the occasion of NATO’s 75th anniversary, IGA’s chairperson argued that it is critically important to underscore why Bulgaria’s NATO membership makes the country the safest it has ever been and why we need to vigorously fight back Russian influence campaigns trying to undermine this achievement. Link to video

French daily newspaper Libération reviews far-right parties in Europe and the emerging distinction between “more” and “less” acceptable representatives of that political spectrum. IGA’s chairperson commented on Bulgaria’s Revival pro-Russian and anti-Western positions as well as the appearance of political competitors in the nationalist field, which speaks to the fragmentation of the far right in …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Libération on the Far Right after the Elections in Europe Read More »

Al Jazeera reported on the Bulgarian parliamentary elections which took place on June 9, 2024, alongside elections for the European Parliament. IGA’s chairperson commented on the historically distorted pro-Russian sentiments in the country, which are capitalized on by various parties across the political spectrum. Watch the report

Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the political and educational reasons that underline young generations’ increasing tilt away from pro-democratic choices for an article in the Sunday Times on young people’s swing to the far right ahead of the European elections. Read the article

The continued ascendancy of the far right in Bulgaria is discussed on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty with the commentary of IGA’s chairperson. In focus is how the far right capitalizes on the historically distorted pro-Russian sentiments in the country; the normalization of extremist discourse beyond social media and why young people are increasingly harboring anti-democratic …

Radio Free Europe Interviews Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Rise of the Far Right in Bulgaria Read More »

In an interview for the Guardian, Dr. Rumena Filipova commented on the growing trend among young people across CEE towards less democratic views and highlighted reform of the educational systems and political leadership as antidotes. The article reviews the declining voting enthusiasm among young people ahead of the EU elections, issues of educational shortfalls and …

The Guardian Features IGA’s Research on Youth Attitudes Read More »

The RESPOND project “Rescuing Democracy from Political Corruption in Digital Societies” was officially launched at a kick-off meeting in Bologna, Italy, 22-24 May 2024. The initiative is funded by the Horizon Europe programme of the European Commission and aims to combat corruption and undue influence undermining democracies. Starting in May 2024, this five-year project, coordinated …

Kick-off Meeting in Bologna Marked the Beginning of RESPOND Project Read More »

Danish weekly newspaper Weekendavisen featured IGA’s research on youth attitudes discussing why young people are increasingly turning to the far-right across Europe and how extremist parties have harnessed social media, particularly TikTok, to reach out to youth. Further in focus is the sense of political and economic disillusionment on the part of younger generations as …

Danish Newspaper Weekendavisen Interviews Dr. Rumena Filipova on Youth Attitudes Read More »

In an interview for the Military TV Channel, IGA’s founder commented on the positive changes in Bulgarian public opinion (according to the latest research conducted in partnership with GLOBSEC) in relation to attitudes to NATO, the US, media freedom. Further topics of analysis included the motivations of the Bulgarians to vote in the European Parliament …

Military TV Channel Interviews Dr. Rumena Filipova on Recent Bulgarian Public Opinion Trends Read More »

In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson discussed US/Europe-China relations following the announcement of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Specific attention was directed to the similarities between the positions of the US and European Commission in the midst of intra-member state differences displayed by France, Hungary and Serbia. Also in focus was the …

Bloomberg TV Bulgaria Interviews Dr. Rumena Filipova on US/Europe-China Relations Read More »

In an interview for Radio FOCUS, Dr. Rumena Filipova presented the main continuities and shifts in Bulgarian public opinion in 2024, including increasing support for NATO and support for the US as a key strategic partner for Bulgaria as well as improved ratings of media freedom. The interview also highlighted youth views, which remain similar …

Radio FOCUS Interviews Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Key Trends in Public Opinion in Bulgaria Read More »

Spanish daily El Pais has featured IGA’s and Dr. Rumena Filipova’s research on the alarming rise of anti-democratic, nationalist and pro-Russian views among youth in Central and Eastern Europe. The article highlights how political exclusion, unreformed and politicized educational systems and social media fuel these worrying sentiments in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Hungary. Read the article …

El Pais Features IGA’s Research on Youth Attitudes in CEE Read More »

The Institute for Global Analytics looks forward to its participation in the new Europe-wide initiative researching political corruption on the continent, particularly in grey legal areas. Boosting citizen involvement and deployment of digital technologies will feature among the innovative solutions to tackle corruption. The project is coordinated by Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna …

New Project: RESPOND – Rescuing Democracy from Political Corruption in Digital Societies Read More »

Military TV Channel reports on the disconcerting trends as regards the views of youth in Bulgaria and Central Europe on democracy, Russia’s war against Ukraine, media consumption patterns and political participation, which were discussed during the international roundtable organized by IGA and Free Press on Eastern Europe on January 29, 2024. Listen to the report

The Bulgarian News Agency published a comprehensive media report on the key conclusions that emerged during the international roundtable organized by the Institute for Global Analytics and Free Press for Eastern Europe on January 29, 2024.  Read the article (in Bulgarian)

Radio Free Europe discusses the importance of the question of revising the portrayal of Russia in history textbooks on the basis of the conclusions presented in “History Undone”. Read the article (in Bulgarian)

The Institute for Global Analytics, together with its partners Free Press for Eastern Europe and the Science+ network, is convening the international roundtable The Youth Factor Rises in Central Europe: The Attitudes of Millennials and Gen Z in Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia and Serbia towards Russia’s War against Ukraine, Traditional Values, and Democracy . It will take …

International Roundtable, 29 January: The Youth Factor Rises in Central Europe Read More »

In an interview for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria, Dr. Rumena Filipova discussed the EU’s historic decision to greenlight Ukraine and Moldova’s accession talks as having significant geopolitical implications, although the road to membership will likely be a difficult one. Also in focus: the importance of strategic communications for countering disinformation, particularly as national security interests are …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on the Beginning of EU-Ukraine Accession Talks Read More »

In an interview for Euronews Bulgaria, IGA’s chairperson discussed the outcomes of the EU-China summit (Europe’s emphasis on the trade imbalance and Beijing’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine). Also in focus was the scope of Chinese influence in Europe and Bulgaria, particularly in the academic sector – why university cooperation with China contains significant …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Discusses the EU-China Summit on Euronews Bulgaria Read More »

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 »

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova on History, Attitudes of the Youth, Media and Democracy in a Podcast for BG Science Read More »

  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 …

IGA Welcomes a Class of US Exchange Students Read More »

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)

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 Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on the Upcoming Biden-Xi Meeting Read More »

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 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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Misuses of History in the Wars against Ukraine and Israel for Denyat Read More »

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)

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 …

International Conference, 20 October: Fostering Effective Strategic Communications for Resilient State and Society Read More »

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 »

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)

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 report ‘History Undone’ receives extensive coverage in Dnevnik. Read the whole article (in Bulgarian)

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)

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova on the Three Seas Initiative and Geopolitical Developments for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria Read More »

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 …

Three Seas Summit and Business Forum Read More »

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 »

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 Features Report Findings on Historical Disinformation in Bulgarian Army Newspaper Read More »

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Bloomberg TV Bulgaria on Black Sea Security and IGA’s New Report Read More »

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 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 …

Mediapool Features IGA’s Ukraine Insider Read More »

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 for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria: Zelensky’s Visit to Bulgaria Restores Bulgaria’s Foreign Policy Credibility Read More »

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)

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 »

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

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova Interviewed by Radio France Internationale on Bulgarian-Ukrainian relations Read More »

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 …

GLOBSEC Forum 2023 Read More »

  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.

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

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 »

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 »

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova for Bloomberg TV Bulgaria: Bulgaria Needs to Cooperate with CEE Countries to Counter the Ambitions of Russia and China Read More »

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 …

Central and Eastern Europe on the Frontlines against Russia and China: International Conference 19 May Read More »

  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 »

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 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.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 …

Joining Forces Against Misinformation: Science and Journalism in Central and Eastern Europe Read More »

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 …

4th International Forum on European Ukraine Read More »

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 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. 

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 »

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 …

To Be Secure International Forum Read More »

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

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 …

International Interdisciplinary Seminar: Information Disorders in Politics, Media and Historical Memories Read More »

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.

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 …

New Job Vacancy: IGA is Hiring an Analyst Read More »

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 »

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

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. 

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Deutsche Welle about Chinese academic influence in Bulgaria Read More »

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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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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Geopost about the political crisis in Bulgaria Read More »

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 the Bulgarian National Radio about cross-regional perspectives on Russian disinformation Read More »

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to Capital Daily about the EC’s proposals for asset freezes Read More »

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 …

Science+ Media Training: Tackling Medical Disinformation Read More »

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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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. 

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 …

Media training. Generation Z: Building up disinformation resilience in the leaders of tomorrow Read More »

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 on Russia’s cutoff of gas supply to Poland and Bulgaria Read More »

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 der Tagesspiegel: Bulgaria’s conundrum about military assistance to Ukraine Read More »

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.

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. 

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. 

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 …

International Conference: Russian Influence in the Balkans in the Midst of the Ukraine War Read More »

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. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio about the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine Read More »

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 …

Dr. Plamen Ivanov speaks to Capital Daily Read More »

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 …

Below the Radar podcast – Simon Fraser University Vancity Office of Community Engagement Read More »

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 »

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 …

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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 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. 

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 …

International Conference: Questions of Accountability Read More »

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 …

Podcast: Dangers and Implications of Foreign Authoritarian Economic Influence Read More »

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 …

Conference: The Private Sector’s Role in Combating Corrosive Capital in Central Europe Read More »

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 …

Budapest Forum. Building Sustainable Democracies Read More »

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. 

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 …

Conference: “Disinformation: Open Societies, Hidden Wars” Read More »

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 …

Dr. Rumena Filipova speaks to the Bulgarian National Radio Read More »

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 discusses the dangers of and responses to Chinese corrosive capital in Central and Eastern Europe for Deutsche Welle.

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.