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Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS)

In many countries around the world, Gen Z is protesting against corruption, social injustice and authoritarian tendencies. In Bulgaria, the mass protests at the end of 2025 led to the resignation of the government within a very short time. How did the protesters achieve their goal so quickly?

Eine Personengruppe steht vor einem haltenden Zug und entlädt gemeinsam Gepäckteile.

The strengthening of local communities in Ukraine has been a key factor in societal resilience during the war. But it takes more than political reforms to bring about social cohesion. That develops when people work together in daily life and local authorities are attuned to citizens’ needs.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine jolted countries across Europe into action, but in many cases, security has been nationalised, with an overwhelming focus on deterrence and military readiness. This KonKoop Report points to ways out of this impasse, especially in the states on NATO’s eastern flank.

The G20 summit is an opportunity for China to showcase its expanding development agenda. We discuss how China's infrastructure engagement is unfolding across Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Latin America and Southeast Asia.

On 24 Feburary 2022, Russia began the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Our online dossier gathers relevant information in the form of videos, podcast episodes, publications and assessments of our experts in the media.

ZOiS Spotlight 2/2026

Why Bulgaria Became a Success Story for the Gen Z Protests

by Ivaylo Dinev 28/01/2026

In many countries around the world, Gen Z is protesting against corruption, social injustice and authoritarian tendencies. In Bulgaria, the mass protests at the end of 2025 led to the resignation of the government within a very short time. How did the protesters achieve their goal so quickly?

Spotlight on Ukraine 20

Decentralisation and Social Cohesion in Ukraine

by Tetiana Lukeria Oleksandra Keudel 21/01/2026

The strengthening of local communities in Ukraine has been a key factor in societal resilience during the war. But it takes more than political reforms to bring about social cohesion. That develops when people work together in daily life and local authorities are attuned to citizens’ needs.

ZOiS Spotlight 1/2026

How Secure Do the Germans Feel?

by Gwendolyn Sasse 14/01/2026

There is war in Europe, rearmament is under way worldwide and international alliances are crumbling – right now, the threats to security seem greater than at any time since World War II. Are these developments reflected in the Germans’ personal perceptions of security? A survey by ZOiS provides new insights.

At the end of the first funding period, the KonKoop research network presents results and achievements from four years of multidisciplinary collaboration. KonKoop develops expertise on conflict constellations and dynamics of cooperation in Eastern Europe, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

24/02/2026 12.00 pm 25/02/2026 08.00 pm

Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS)
Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Str. 60
10117 Berlin

In order to illustrate possible paths toward a dissertation, this in-person meeting will bring together undergraduate and graduate students, as well as prospective PhD candidates, with PhD students who are nearing the completion of their dissertations. The latter will share their experiences and offer advice.

24/02/2026 03.00 pm 05.00 pm

Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS)
Anton-Wilhelm-Amo-Str. 60
10117 Berlin

The individual projects of ZOiS are currently divided into five research clusters.

Call for Papers | Workshop

On 22 April 2026, the Centre Marc Bloch, ZOiS and the KIU Competence Network Interdisciplinary Ukrainian Studies will host a workshop on research in wartime Ukraine, particularly the period after the full-scale Russian invasion. The deadline for the submission of paper proposals is 20 February 2026.

Funding approval for KonKoop2

The third-party funded project KonKoop is entering a second funding phase. The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space has agreed to continue funding the research network coordinated by ZOiS until April 2028.    

Roundtable Osteuropa is a podcast by the Centre for East European and International Studies. Scholars of ZOiS and their guests discuss their research of Eastern Europe. We consider events in politics and society, while also trying to shed light on lesser-known issues – with insights from sociology, political science, geography, social anthropology, literary studies and theology.

Video: Ukraine Research Network@ZOiS

As seen in the Ukrainian context, science and innovation are pivotal in propelling economic development and regional prosperity, even in conflict-affected areas. In this event, we discuss the intricate relationship between science, innovation, and broader regional dynamics.

Video: Ukraine Research Network@ZOiS

Russia's war against Ukraine raises ethical questions for researchers working on Ukraine. This workshop, organised by UNET, examined the situation of researchers affected by the war and compared the experiences of Ukrainian researchers with those from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kosovo.

Reseachers from various academic disciplines do research in five clusters and publish their result in peer-reviewed journals.

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