Volume XVIII Summer 2013

In this illuminating volume, we embark on a reflective journey spanning a century of conflicts and transformations in the Balkans, featuring a collection of insightful essays authored by distinguished scholars in the field. Birgül Demirtaş sets the stage with an introductory exploration, tracing the trajectory from the Balkan Wars to a hopeful Balkan peace, encapsulating the region's tumultuous history and promising future. Maria Todorova delves into the intersections of war and memory, offering a poignant analysis of Trotsky's war correspondence from the Balkan Wars, shedding light on the multifaceted narratives that emerge from this period of turmoil. Snezhana Dimitrova uncovers the affective worlds of modern and traditional Balkan wars, drawing on the Bulgarian example to illuminate the complex emotional landscapes that shape perceptions of conflict. Sabrina P. Ramet explores the trajectories of post-communist transformation, unraveling myths and rival theories about change in Central and Southeastern Europe, offering valuable insights into the region's ongoing evolution. 

Othon Anastasakis examines the legacy of early illiberal transition years in the Balkan states following the political upheavals of 1989, offering a nuanced analysis of the challenges and opportunities that have emerged in their wake. Predrag Simić delves into Western perceptions of the Balkans, as documented in the Carnegie Commission's reports spanning from 1914 to 1996, illuminating the enduring complexities of Balkanization in the eyes of the outside world. Sasho Ripilovski and Stevo Pendarovski dissect the Macedonia and the Ohrid Framework Agreement, navigating through framed pasts and elusive futures to offer insights into the ongoing quest for stability and reconciliation in the region. Lastly, Birgül Demirtaş returns to explore Türkiye's intricate relationship with the Balkans, advocating for the overcoming of prejudices, the building of bridges, and the construction of a shared future rooted in cooperation and understanding.

Download Perceptions Summer 2013