Bulgarian Institute for International Politics

Welcome to the Bulgarian Institute for International Politics

We are an independent think-tank based in Varna, Bulgaria.

Our mission is to support inclusive, critical, and civic-minded reflection on politics — in Bulgaria, Europe, and beyond.

Through commentary, analysis, and multilingual publishing, we provide a platform for early-career voices, underrepresented thinkers, and established experts to engage in meaningful political dialogue.

We believe that thoughtful ideas deserve space!

BIIP is registered under the Registry Agency of the Republic of Bulgaria, Unified Identification Code: 208390337.

Our Experts

Dr. Dimitar Keranov, MRSSAf

Member of the Managing Board; Expert on Africa & CEE

Specializes in democratization issues in Africa, Central & Eastern Europe.

Konstantin Keranov

Member of the Managing Board; Expert on Digital Economy & Emerging Technologies

Specializes in the impact of emerging technologies—such as AI—on the digital economy, with a focus on innovation & business strategy.

Prof. Karim Fahir Naama, D.Econ.Sci., D.Pol.Sci.

Expert on International Relations & Middle East

Specializes in international relations with focus on Arab countries & the Middle East.

Dr. Alexander Uzunov

Expert on National Security & Geopolitics

Specializes in global & regional affairs with a focus on geopolitics & national security.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaloyan Smilkov

Expert on International Relations and Comparative Political Science

Focuses on the interaction between law, culture, and politics.

Sergey Petrov — Aradzhioni

Expert on International Security and Geopolitics

Political analyst and author with an educational background in political science, security, and economics.

🗣️ BIIP Expert Voices

“Cooperation with Russia and China brings short-term gains but creates long-term risks for democracy…”

“Cooperation with Russia and China offers short-term economic and political benefits to governments in the region, yet it also creates long-term risks for democracy. These powers often encourage centralized authority and weaken the role of civil society and the opposition. For example, China’s model of authoritarian capitalism has become an inspiration for some leaders who see in it an alternative to Western democracies.”

Show full quote

Topic: The role of Russia and China in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Mozambique

Dr. Dimitar Keranov, MRSSAf • Expert on Africa & CEE • Profile

📖 Source (2025)

ИСТОРИЯ И ПОЛИТИКА НА ЮЖНА АФРИКА, ЗИМБАБВЕ, НАМИБИЯ, АНГОЛА И МОЗАМБИК: ПЪТЯТ КЪМ НЕЗАВИСИМОСТ И ДЕМОКРАЦИЯ
GESKIEDENIS EN POLITIEK VAN SUID-AFRIKA, ZIMBABWE, NAMIBIË, ANGOLA EN MOSAMBIEK: DIE PAD NA ONAFHANKLIKHEID EN DEMOKRASIE
Publisher: ENA, Varna
ISBN: 978-619-7255-24-9

Featured Articles

The Double Embrace: Russian and Chinese Influence in Bulgaria

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

Bulgaria remains one of the most institutionally vulnerable NATO and EU members to Russian and Chinese influence — a structural challenge that Euro-Atlantic partners have been slow to address.

Brussels to Sofia: EU Policy in Bulgaria

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov, Luca Rovinalti

How EU funding, rules, and conditionality shape governance and resilience in Bulgaria—and what Brussels should watch and Sofia should prioritize.

European Parliament Seat Projection – February 2026

by Dr. Manuel Müller

Renew Europe falls to its lowest level since 2014, while S&D, the Left, and ECR record slight gains in the February 2026 projection.

Bulgaria and Romania must expand cooperation in all areas

by Vladimir Mitev

An interview by Vladimir Mitev with Dr. Dimitar Keranov on Moldova’s EU path and the need for deeper Bulgarian–Romanian cooperation.

Minority Politics in Moldova: Taraclia’s Vote

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

PAS keeps a national majority, but Taraclia backs the pro-Russia Patriotic Bloc; Bulgaria’s cultural-education links offer a practical EU-oriented channel.

Signal from Beijing: What Bulgaria Just Told the World

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

Commentary on Deputy PM Atanas Zafirov’s visit to Beijing and what it signals about Bulgaria as an EU and NATO member.

Could the “von der Leyen coalition” lose its majority?

by Dr. Manuel Müller

A summary of the July 2025 European Parliament seat projection and the question whether the centrist coalition can maintain its majority.

The Digital Economy and the Challenges for Policy

by Konstantin Keranov

How can policy keep up with technology? A look at the balance between innovation and public interest.

Pretoria’s Diplomatic Withdrawal

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

South Africa is closing its embassy in Sofia — a telling signal in global politics.

Bulgaria Must Leave Soviet Armament Behind - Fully and Finally

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

Why Bulgaria’s reliance on obsolete Soviet military systems threatens its NATO future—and why a full transition to Western equipment can’t wait.

When Bulgarian Democracy Falters

by Dr. Dimitar Keranov

Analysis of the politically motivated arrest of Varna’s mayor and the risks to Bulgaria’s rule of law and EU credibility.

See all articles by region →

BIIP Partners

Political Science Institute The Bridge of Friendship EU Context

Organizations that BIIP partners with and engages with through professional dialogue.