This project within the research focus United Europe – Divided History, takes a new approach to understanding the history of the Balkans and, in turn, Europe as a whole. This project places the Balkans at the center of European developments, not as a conflict-ridden problem zone, but rather as a full-fledged European region. It is rooted in the idea that the Balkans have not lagged behind as a backwards region in European history, but rather anticipated many (West) European developments in the decades before and after 1900. This approach helps elucidate themes of statebuilding, colonization and decolonization, and foreign policy that are central to a full understanding of the history of Europe. To date, the IWM has hosted two workshops in conjunction with this project, which concentrated on the history of the region before the First World War, and is planning two additional workshops, which will examine 20th century developments. An edited volume is also in preparation.
Generously supported by
