Research institutes and associations of scholars dealing with the Balkans

Here you can find basic information about the websites of research institutes and associations of scholars dealing with the Balkans, with direct links.

Name in Serbian: Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku
Description: The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is the oldest civil society organisation in the Western Balkans specialising in research, advocacy and education of security issues. BCSP was established in 1997 as the Centre for Civil-Military Relations (CCMR) . The name change marked its transformation form a Civil Society Organisation into a think-thank specialised in security issues. BCSP It is currently the only organisation in Serbia focussing on whole of security sector and trying to act as a knowledge broker in human, national, regional and international security policy arenas.
The vision of the BCSP is the establishment of democratic security community in the Western Balkans integrated into European security identity that fosters human security of all of its citizens without difference. The BCSP is an independent think tank that publically advocates national and human security based on democracy and respect for human rights. The BCSP works towards the consolidation of security sector reform (SSR) and security integration of Western Balkans into the Euro-Atlantic community by creating an inclusive and knowledge-based security policy environment. The Centre plans to achieve these objectives through research, public advocacy, education, bringing together relevant stakeholders and creation of networking opportunities. Democracy, human rights, liberty, peaceful conflict resolution, participation, and development are only a few among the core values of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy.
Activities:

Languages: Serbian, English

Visit the website of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (in Serbian)
Visit the website of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (in English)

Description: founded in 2006, the Centre for European Neighbourhood Studies is a research centre of the University of Stirling whose fields of activity are politics, international relations and modern history of the countries referred to as the neighbors of the European Union.
Language: English

Visit the webpage of the Centre for European Neighbourhood Studies (in English)

Name in Serbian: Centar za Istoriju, Demokratiju i Pomirenje
Description: The CHDR was established in 2007 at the Salzburg Global Seminar, Austria.
CHDR seeks to promote a dynamic, multinational, multiethnic and nonpartisan history of the former Yugoslavia. Its aim is to foster understanding and acceptance of ethnic and national differences, highlight similarities in cultural, religious, social and political life, and harmonize the various histories that exist in this region. The CHDR is engaging scholars, educators, media representatives, and civil society organizations in a process to transform the “image of the enemy” and examine the historical myths that have been used as propaganda from different national and ethnic perspectives. The process includes working with teams built from the different regions of the FYR, Albania and colleagues from EU with the goal of researching, writing and disseminating shared historical narratives same as articles in an effort to build greater understanding of “the other” and thereby contributing toward the dispelling of public myths often used to conflagrate tensions.
The projects of CHDR ("Facing the Past-Searching for the Future", documentary serial The Myth Factory: Political Myths in Yugoslavia 1918–1991 and Serbo–Croat Political Relations) are trying to develop unity in the field of culture and science in the divided region, and in so doing to facilitate better capacity for historians and scholars to enable the development of a positive democratic political influence on politicians and future leaders.
The specific projects objectives are: 

Language: English
 
Visit the website of the Center for History, Democracy and Reconciliation (in English)

Name in Macedonian: Центар за регионални истражувања и соработка "Студиорум"
Description: the Centre for Regional Policy Research and Cooperation “Studiorum“ (CRPRC Studiorum) is a non-partisan, non-governmental think-tank working on economic and social aspects of EU integration and globalization processes that are of essential importance for the Republic of Macedonia and the countries of Southeast Europe.
CRPRC Studiorum strives towards accomplishment of its mission through various policy-oriented programs and research projects, which contribute to and complement the attempts of policy-makers in policy design and implementation, and support central and local governments, business and non-governmental sectors in their communication and cooperation.
 
CRPRC Studiorum’s main activities in the last two years have been:

These activities have been executed in the following topics:

Some of CRPRC Studiorum’s most recent publications include:

CRPRC Studiorum also publishes the Journal for European Issues “Evrodijalog” with over 100 published articles up to date. A complete list of editions and articles can be found at http://www.evrodijalog.eu/ and at the Central and Eastern European Online Library http://www.ceeol.com/.

Languages: Macedonian, English
 
Visit the website of CRPRC Studiorum (in Macedonian)
Visit the website of CRPRC Studiorum (in English)

Description: the European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD) is a part of the University for Peace established by the United Nations (UN). Located in Belgrade, Serbia, ECPD offers research and study opportunities in a wide range of disciplines, including law, international relations, global health and sustainable development. In addition to these Postgraduate and Doctoral studies, ECPD organizes international meetings and conferences that reflect its values as an organization. These events, held throughout Europe, often feature heads of state, Noble Prize winners and other world leaders. The final important activity conducted by ECPD is the publishing of over 20 books, conference proceedings, text books and other publications needed for educational purposes.
The ECPD is also always looking ahead to find better synergy between its many activities and its external relations. In this regard it is focusing on the development of relations with international institutions, national governments and civil society actors. In addition, the center will streamline its research and training programs and recruit new professors and lecturers to contribute to the educational programs.
Languages: English, French, Russian, Italian, German, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Montenegrin, Slovenian, Macedonian, Albanian
 
Visit the website of the European Center for Peace and Development of the University for Peace established by the UN (in English)

Description: the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) reports on trials at the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia and works with local journalists to report on conflict in the Balkans. A flagship of IWPR programming, and one of their longest continuing initiatives, the International Justice program seeks to extend public understanding of, and support for, international justice processes – with a focus on affected regions. For the Balkans, and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, IWPR continues to produce weekly reports, while recently launching a weekly radio program, Facing Justice, broadcast across the region.
Languages: English, Bosnian-Croatian-Serbian, French, Arabic, Farsi 
 
Visit the website of the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (in English)
Visit the webpage devoted to the ICTY (in English)