<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<issue>
  <title>Volume 2 Issue 2</title>
  <volume>2</volume>
  <number>2</number>
  <year>2025</year>
  <date>2025-11-30</date>
  <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/issue/volume-2-issue-2</url>
  <journal>
    <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
    <issn>2955-2516</issn>
    <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
    <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
    <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
  </journal>
  <articles>
    <article>
      <title>Eco-Consumerism: A Paradox of Opposing Ideas</title>
      <slug>eco-consumerism-a-paradox-of-opposing-ideas</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>Consumerism and ecology are two opposing phenomena that rest on entirely different principles. Consumerism supports excessive use of goods and services, which leads to increased production, i.e., higher usage of natural resources, raw materials, energy, equipment, and labor. On the other hand, ecology advocates for the sustainable consumption of resources, minimizing energy and land use, and environmental protection. The continuous rise of production and consumption leads to deforestation, depletion of natural resources, water and air pollution, natural disasters, climate change, and a severe loss of biodiversity. Human activities threaten the health and life of all living things on the planet. Consumerism simultaneously fosters economic growth and enhances individual well-being, while also exerting a profound and often detrimental impact on environmental sustainability. However, a healthy environment is not compatible with prevailing consumer behavior, characterized by consumerism and increased production. The paper, based on both secondary and primary data, aims to explore whether consumerism and ecology can converge in pursuit of ensuring survival, sustainable well-being, and a future for humanity. </p>]]></content>
      <references><![CDATA[<p>Brown, G. (2024). <em>From Doom to Boom: The Surprising Eco Consumerism Trend</em>. Happy Eco News. https://happyeconews.com</p>
<p>Driscoll, S. (2025). <em>Green Consumerism: Overview</em>. EBSCO. <a href="https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/marketing/green-consumerism-overview">https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/marketing/green-consumerism-overview</a></p>
<p>Durif, F., Boivin, C. &amp; Julien, C. (2010). <em>In Search of a Green Product Definition</em>. Innovative Marketing, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 23-31.</p>
<p>Elsner, M, Atkinson, G., &amp; Zahidi, S. (2025). <em>Global Risk Report 2025. </em>World Economic Forum. <a href="https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/digest/">https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/digest/</a></p>
<p>Korkmaz, A. N., &amp; Altan, M. U. (2024). A Systematic Literature Review of Sustainable Consumer Behaviours in the Context of Industry 4.0 (I4.0). <em>Sustainability</em>, <em>16</em>(1), 126. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010126">https://doi.org/10.3390/su16010126</a></p>
<p>Kostadinova, E. (2022). <em>Sustainable Consumer Behavior: a Literature Overview. </em>Economic Alternatives, Issue 2</p>
<p>Lage, C., Lins, S., &amp; Dias de Aquino, S. (2022). <em>Consumerism</em>, Routledge Encyclopedia of Psychology in the Real World, Routledge, pp. 1-13, DOI: 10.4324/9780367198459-REPRW118-1</p>
<p>Mintel. (2025). <em>Global Outlook on Sustainability: A Consumer study 2024-2025</em>. https://store.mintel.com</p>
<p>Peter, D., &amp; Lister, J. (2010). <em>The Prospects and Limits of Eco-Consumerism: Shopping our Way to Less Deforestation. </em>DOI: 10.1177/1086026610368370</p>
<p>Rivera, J.L. &amp; Lallmahomed, A. (2016). <em>Environmental Implications of Planned Obsolescence and Product Lifetime: A Literature Review</em>, International Journal of Sustainable Engineering 9(2): 119–129. doi:10.1080/19397038.2015.1099757.</p>
<p>Stearns, P.N. (2006). <em>Consumerism in World History: The Global Transformation of Desire</em>, 2nd Ed, New York: Routledge, doi:10.2307/30041171.</p>
<p>Uribe, K. &amp; Chapman-Ludwig. (2023). <em>Environmental Activism: Pro-Environmental Behavior, Consumerism, and Environmental Justice</em>, DU Undergraduate Research Journal Archive: Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 2. <a href="https://digitalcommons.du.edu/duurj/vol4/iss1/2">https://digitalcommons.du.edu/duurj/vol4/iss1/2</a></p>
<p>World Economic Forum. (2025). <em>Climate, nature and energy at Davos 2025.</em> <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/safeguarding-the-planet-theme-davos-2025-climate-nature-energy/">https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/01/safeguarding-the-planet-theme-davos-2025-climate-nature-energy/</a>.</p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: consumerism, ecology, natural resources, energy, environmental protection</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/eco-consumerism-a-paradox-of-opposing-ideas</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>1-12</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/K8CfYb0l9Pp/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-1-1.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Savica</first_name>
          <last_name>Dimitrieska</last_name>
          <affiliation>International Balkan University – Skopje</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
        <author>
          <first_name>Liza Alili</first_name>
          <last_name>Sulejmani</last_name>
          <affiliation>International Balkan University</affiliation>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Isa Bey Madrasa in Skopje- A Historical and Pedagogical Assessment</title>
      <slug>isa-bey-madrasa-in-skopje-a-historical-and-pedagogical-assessment</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>This study provides a historical and pedagogical assessment of the Isa Bey Madrasa in Skopje, established in 1469 within the framework of the Ottoman waqf system. The research aims to examine how the madrasa contributed to the institutionalization of religion-based education in the Balkans while preserving social belonging and cultural continuity. Using an archival-historical and comparative analytical approach, the study traces the transformations of the institution from its Ottoman foundation to its present form. Although educational activities were periodically interrupted by wars, political changes, and regime transitions, the madrasa was repeatedly restructured and managed to sustain its existence. Reopened in the 1984–1985 academic year, it continues today as one of the central institutions providing formal religious education in North Macedonia. Its curriculum combines classical Islamic sciences with social sciences, natural sciences, and language courses, reflecting a synthesis of tradition and modern pedagogy. However, issues such as the language of instruction, the right to mother-tongue education, social representation, and diploma equivalency remain ongoing challenges. Overall, the study reveals that the Isa Bey Madrasa embodies both continuity and transformation in the fields of religion, culture, and education in the Balkans.</p>]]></content>
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<p>Ali, M. (2012). Islamic education in Macedonia. In E. Aslan &amp; Z. Windisch (Eds.), The training of imams and teachers for Islamic education in Europe: The case of the Isa Beg Madrasa and the Faculty of Islamic Sciences.Oxford: Peter Lang.</p>
<p>Ali, M. (2024). Navigating faith and politics: The evolution of Islamic education and NGOs in the Balkans. Religions.</p>
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<p>Aruçi, M. (1998). Eski Yugoslavya II. In Günümüz dünyasında Müslüman azınlıklar. İstanbul: Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı İslam Araştırmaları Merkezi.</p>
<p>Aruçi, M. (2002). Üsküp’te Meddah Medresesi. In Balkanlar’da İslâm medeniyeti milletlerarası sempozyumu tebliğleri. Sofya: İslam Tarih, Sanat ve Kültür Araştırma Merkezi (IRCICA).</p>
<p>Asani, E. (2010). Makedonya’daki medreseler ve İsa Bey Medresesi [Yayımlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Uludağ Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Bursa.</p>
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<p>Derviş, F. (2014). Yugoslavya Krallığı’nda Müslümanların statüsü ve ilköğretim hakları. Ordu Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Araştırmaları Dergisi, 4(8).</p>
<p>Elezoviç, G. (1926). Turski spomenici u Skoplju. Skopje: Glasnik na İ.N.İ., Knjiga 1 Sveska 1–2.</p>
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<p>Erken, A., &amp; Çençiler, Y. (2019). Feyzullah Hacıbayriç ve medrese sonrası geleneği yeniden düşünmek. Marmara Üniversitesi İlahiyat Fakültesi Dergisi, 8.</p>
<p>Güveloğlu, G. K. (2019). Sırp Hırvat Sloven Krallığı’ndan Yugoslavya’ya: Yugoslavya’nın siyasi hayatı ve Türkiye ile diplomatik ilişkileri (1918–1941). Ankara: Atatürk Araştırma Merkezi.</p>
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<p>İdris, M., &amp; Ali, M. (2016). Islam in Macedonia: The origins, evolution and role of the Islamic religious community from the Ottoman period to the present. ICR Journal, 7.</p>
<p>İdriz, M. (2021). Arnavutluk ve Bosna çevresine odaklı Balkanlarda İslami dini eğitim. Müslüman Dünyada Çağdaş Düşünce Konferansı.</p>
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<p>İnbaşı, M. (2018). Makedonya’da İslam kültürü: Üsküp ve Kalkandelen örneği. Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 133–152.</p>
<p>Jahyai, M. (2017). Son dönem Makedonya alimlerinden Kemal Aruçi ve Kelâmî Görüşleri [Yayımlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Trakya Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, Edirne.</p>
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<p>Murati, Ü. (2015). Makedonya’da Müslüman toplumun örgün ve yaygın din eğitimi [Yayımlanmamış yüksek lisans tezi]. Marmara Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü, İstanbul.</p>
<p>Nureski, D. (2016). Osmanlı’dan günümüze Makedonya’daki Türk kültürü ve Makedonya’nın Türk kültür tarihindeki yeri ve önemi.</p>
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<p> </p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Isa Bey Madrasa, Skopje, Ottoman education, waqf system, pedagogy, cultural continuity, archival-historical analysis</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/isa-bey-madrasa-in-skopje-a-historical-and-pedagogical-assessment</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>13-36</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/9YZJ3f8Pdua/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-2-1.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Ümmi</first_name>
          <last_name>Murati</last_name>
          <affiliation>Bursa Uludağ University, Institute of Social Sciences, Department of Philosophy and Religious Sciences / Religious Education</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Ukraine Crisis Between Russia’s Expansion, US Promises, and Missing European Agenda</title>
      <slug>ukraine-crisis-between-russia-s-expansion-us-promises-and-missing-european-agenda</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>The dissolution of the Soviet Union reshaped the geopolitical order of Eastern Europe and elevated Ukraine as a strategically pivotal state situated between Russia and the Euro-Atlantic sphere. This paper examines the Ukraine crisis as a manifestation of the re-emergence of classical geopolitics and great-power competition in Europe. It argues that while Russia has pursued a coherent strategic agenda aimed at maintaining influence in its near abroad, the European Union has struggled to formulate a consistent and forward-looking policy toward Ukraine. Drawing on geopolitical theory (Mackinder, Brzezinski) and contemporary international security literature, the study analyzes the evolution of Russia’s expansionist approach, U.S. security commitments, and the EU’s fragmented strategic response. The paper contends that the absence of a unified European agenda has contributed to prolonged instability, culminating in Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and ongoing conflict through 2025. It concludes that a coherent European strategic framework—combining deterrence, long-term security guarantees, and political integration—is essential to shaping a sustainable European security architecture. </p>]]></content>
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<p>Keil, S., &amp; Stahl, B. (2019). <em>The Western Balkans and the EU: ‘The Hour of Europe’ Once Again?</em> <em>European Politics and Society</em>, 20(3), 289–306.</p>
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<p>Reka, B. (2015). <em>The Western Balkans and Euro-Atlantic Integration after Ukraine.</em> <em>Journal of Balkan and Near Eastern Studies</em>, 17(4), 379–396.</p>
<p>Reka, B. (2015). <em>The Western Balkans peace: Europe’s unfinished mission</em> at: http://www.worldreview.info/content/western-balkans-peace-europes-unfinished-mission</p>
<p>Schwarz, P. (2015), Die geopolitische Dimension des Umsturzes in der Ukraine, at: <a href="https://www.wsws.org/de/articles/2014/02/27/ukra-f27.html">https://www.wsws.org/de/articles/2014/02/27/ukra-f27.html</a></p>
<p>Siddi, M. (2022). <em>The European Union’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine: Unity through crisis</em>. <em>European Foreign Affairs Review, 27</em>(3), 385–404.</p>
<p>Trenin, D. (2022). <em>Russia’s Break with the West: The Crisis of Post-Cold War Relations.</em> <em>Carnegie Moscow Center.</em></p>
<p>Tzifakis, N. (2023). <em>Between Dependence and Autonomy: Western Balkans in the New European Geopolitics.</em> <em>Croatian International Relations Review</em>, 29(2), 113–128.</p>
<ol start="70">
<li>Putin, (2015). <a href="http://geopolitik-studien.de/zum-70-jahrestag-des-sieges-ueber-den-faschismus/">Zum 70. Jahrestag des Sieges über den Faschismus</a>, at: <a href="http://geopolitik-studien.de/putins-rede-zum-beitritt-der-krim/">http://geopolitik-studien.de/putins-rede-zum-beitritt-der-krim/</a></li>
</ol>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: Ukraine, Russia, US, Germany, Crimea, European agenda, geopolitics</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/ukraine-crisis-between-russia-s-expansion-us-promises-and-missing-european-agenda</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>37-50</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/EINVhi1kVc3/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-3.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Bekim</first_name>
          <last_name>Maksuti</last_name>
          <affiliation>University of Tetova, Tetovo, North Macedonia</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Barriers to Justice: Access to Legal Protection for Victims of Gender-Based Violence in North Macedonia After the Istanbul Convention</title>
      <slug>barriers-to-justice-access-to-legal-protection-for-victims-of-gender-based-violence-in-north-macedonia-after-the-istanbul-convention</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive violation of human rights, affecting millions worldwide. In response, the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention sets comprehensive standards to prevent violence against women and ensure victim protection and access to justice. North Macedonia ratified the Convention in 2017, signaling its commitment to tackling GBV legally and institutionally. However, this paper critically examines the extent to which victims in North Macedonia can access effective legal protection post-ratification. Drawing on legislative analysis, institutional reports, and socio-cultural studies, it reveals enduring systemic, cultural, psychological, and procedural barriers that limit justice access. The study underscores the gap between formal reforms and lived realities, highlighting the need for deeper structural and cultural transformation to fulfill international obligations and protect vulnerable populations. </p>]]></content>
      <references><![CDATA[<p>Amnesty International. (2019). Barriers to justice: The experience of Roma women facing gender-based violence in North Macedonia. Amnesty International. <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur05/1234/2019/en/">https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur05/1234/2019/en/ </a></p>
<p>Amnesty International. (2022). Shelter crisis: Insufficient support for victims of domestic violence in North Macedonia. Amnesty International. https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/ eur05/5678/2022/en /</p>
<p>Campbell, J. C. (2002). Health consequences of intimate partner violence. The Lancet, 359(9314), 1331–1336. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08336-8">https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(02)08336-8 </a></p>
<p>Council of Europe. (2011). Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention). <a href="https://rm.coe.int/168046031c">https://rm.coe.int/168046031c </a></p>
<p>Council of Europe. (2020). Monitoring report on the implementation of the Istanbul Convention in the Western Balkans. Council of Europe. https://www.coe.int/en/web/istanbul-convention HERA. (2020). Domestic violence and institutional response in Skopje: A case study.</p>
<p>HERA NGO. HERA. (2022). Victim-centered approaches to gender-based violence cases in North Macedonia. HERA NGO.</p>
<p>Health Rights. (2020). Social services and healthcare for survivors of gender-based violence. Health Rights Organization.</p>
<p>Helsinki Committee for Human Rights. (2021). Legal protection and enforcement of restraining orders in North Macedonia. Macedonian Helsinki Committee.</p>
<p>Human Rights Watch. (2020). Gender-based violence in the Western Balkans: Social stigma and justice barriers. Human Rights Watch. <a href="https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/10/14/gender-based-violence-western-balkans">https://www.hrw.org/report/2020/10/14/gender-based-violence-western-balkans </a></p>
<p>Human Rights Watch. (2022). Failures in protection: Survivors of domestic violence in North Macedonia. Human Rights Watch.</p>
<p>Jovanovska, M., &amp; Velkoska, M. (2021). Police attitudes towards domestic violence victims in North Macedonia: A critical analysis. Journal of Balkan Studies, 15(2), 45–62.</p>
<p>Kamberi, S. (2019). Patriarchal norms and their impact on women’s rights in North Macedonia. Southeastern European Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 23–37.</p>
<p>Kamberi, S., &amp; Mekic, E. (2018). Family pressure and reporting barriers in domestic violence cases. Journal of Gender Studies, 12(3), 112–129.</p>
<p>Ministry of Interior. (2022). Annual report on domestic violence cases in North Macedonia. Ministry of Interior.</p>
<p>Ministry of Justice. (2022). Judicial statistics and protective measure applications. Ministry of Justice.</p>
<p>Macedonian Helsinki Committee (MHC). (2019). Survey on police treatment of gender-based violence victims. MHC.</p>
<p>National Statistical Office. (2021). Survey on women’s experience with violence. National Statistical Office of North Macedonia.</p>
<p>Open Society Foundation. (2020). Access to justice for Roma women in the Balkans. Open Society Foundation.</p>
<p>OSCE. (2020). Police responses to domestic violence in North Macedonia: Challenges and opportunities. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.</p>
<p>OSCE. (2021). Judicial training on gender-based violence in North Macedonia. Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.</p>
<p>Transparency International. (2022). Judicial efficiency and case backlogs in North Macedonia.</p>
<p>Transparency International. UNDP. (2022). Gender equality and social inclusion in North Macedonia: A focus on minority communities.</p>
<p>United Nations Development Programme. UN Women. (2021). Gender-based violence in North Macedonia: Institutional capacity and challenges.</p>
<p>UN Women. World Bank. (2021). Socio-cultural factors influencing gender equality in North Macedonia. The World Bank.</p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: gender-based violence, Istanbul Convention, access to justice, North Macedonia, legal protection</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/barriers-to-justice-access-to-legal-protection-for-victims-of-gender-based-violence-in-north-macedonia-after-the-istanbul-convention</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>51-64</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/JYz4ADeRsJR/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-4-1.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Fjolla</first_name>
          <last_name>Ejupi</last_name>
          <affiliation>Faculty of Law, South East European University, Tetovo, North Macedonia</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
        <author>
          <first_name>Besa</first_name>
          <last_name>Arifi</last_name>
          <affiliation>South East European University, Tetovo, North Macedonia</affiliation>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Administrative Legacies of Ottoman and Habsburg Empires in the Balkans: A Comparative Analysis</title>
      <slug>administrative-legacies-of-ottoman-and-habsburg-empires-in-the-balkans-a-comparative-analysis</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>The Balkans have historically been a region of great geopolitical significance, shaped by the administrative, cultural, and social influences of two major empires: The Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Empire. These empires ruled over the region for centuries, leaving a profound impact on governance structures, religious dynamics, and urban development. Despite their shared control over parts of the Balkans, their administrative approaches differed significantly, leading to long-lasting regional distinctions. The Ottoman Empire implemented a decentralized yet hierarchical system. The millet system allowed religious communities to administer their own legal and educational affairs, fostering a diverse and multicultural society. Additionally, the waqf (endowment) system contributed to social welfare, funding mosques, schools, and public services. The Ottoman legacy remains evident in the urban architecture, linguistic influences, and socio-economic structures of modern Balkan states. Conversely, the Habsburg Empire employed a more centralized and bureaucratic model, focusing on strict control and uniformity. The Balkans under Habsburg rule experienced heavy taxation, compulsory military conscription, and Germanization policies, particularly in Croatia and Slovenia. The Austro-Hungarian legal system, with its emphasis on codified laws and secular governance, influenced modern state-building in the region. The empire’s impact is still visible in urban planning, Baroque architecture, and centralized governance structures. This study examines the contrasting administrative legacies of the Ottoman and Habsburg Empires in the Balkans, evaluating their influence on contemporary socio-political institutions. By analyzing historical governance models, the paper highlights the enduring effects of these empires on modern nation-state formation in Southeastern Europe.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>]]></content>
      <references><![CDATA[<p>Barkey, K. (2008). Empire of Difference: The Ottomans in Comparative Perspective. Cambridge University Press</p>
<p>Barkey, K. (2013). “Aspects of Legal Pluralism in the Ottoman Empire.” In L. Benton &amp; R. J. Ross (Eds.), Legal Pluralism and Empires, 1500–1850 (pp. 81–108). NYU Press</p>
<p>Brusis, M. (2005). The instrumental use of European Union conditionality: Regionalization in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. East European Politics and Societies, 19(2).</p>
<p>Deák, I. (1990). Beyond nationalism: A social and political history of the Habsburg officer corps, 1848– 1918. Oxford University Press.</p>
<p>Elbasani, A. (2008). EU enlargement in the Western Balkans: Strategies of borrowing and inventing. Journal of Southern Europe and the Balkans 10(3)</p>
<p>Elbasani, A. (2009). EU administrative conditionality and domestic downloading: the limits of europeanization in challenging contexts. (KFG Working Paper Series, 2). Freie Universität Berlin, FB Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften, Otto-Suhr-Institut für Politikwissenschaft Kolleg-Forschergruppe “The Transformative Power of Europe”. https://nbnresolving.org/ urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-365633</p>
<p>İnalcık, H. (1973). The Ottoman Empire: The classical age, 1300–1600. Weidenfeld &amp; Nicolson.</p>
<p>Ingrao, C. (2000). The Habsburg monarchy, 1618–1815. Cambridge University Press.</p>
<p>Jelavich, B. (1983). History of the Balkans: Vol. 2. Twentieth century. Cambridge University Press.</p>
<p>Judson, P. M. (2016). The Habsburg Empire: A new history. Harvard University Press.</p>
<p>Shusharova, M. (2017). Local Elites and Communities in the Management of Public Order During The 18th Century: Perceptions from the Core European Territories of the Ottoman Empire. Tudes Balkaniques, LІІІ, 2017, 3</p>
<p>Subotić, J. (2021). Yellow star, red star: Holocaust remembrance after communism. Cornell University Press.</p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: Ottoman Empire, Habsburg Empire, Balkans, administrative structure, administrative legacy</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/administrative-legacies-of-ottoman-and-habsburg-empires-in-the-balkans-a-comparative-analysis</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>65-83</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/DcHZ7QC0P9b/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-5.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Hamza</first_name>
          <last_name>Ates</last_name>
          <affiliation>Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Dilemmas of the Foreign Policy of Small States in the Western Balkans: Between Integration and Geopolitical Insecurity</title>
      <slug>dilemmas-of-the-foreign-policy-of-small-states-in-the-western-balkans-between-integration-and-geopolitical-insecurity</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>This paper analyzes the foreign policy dilemmas of small states in the Western Balkans within the context of an increasingly fragmented and multipolar global order. In this environment, where power is distributed among the United States of America, the European Union, Russia, China, and Turkey, the small Balkan states face complex and often contradictory choices. On one hand, they view European and Euro-Atlantic integration as the strategic horizon of their development and security, while on the other hand they remain vulnerable to the economic, political, and cultural influences of other powers. The paper is based on a constructivist theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of identity, perceptions, and interactions in shaping the foreign policy interests of small states. Methodologically, it employs a comparative analysis of six states in the region: Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, drawing on official documents, national strategies, public discourses, and academic literature. The central argument is that although small states face structural constraints and depend on great powers, through flexible diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and balancing strategies they manage to create presence and minimize uncertainties. The paper contributes to the literature on the foreign policy of small states by highlighting the interconnection between security, integration, and economic development in the context of the new international order.</p>]]></content>
      <references><![CDATA[<p>Berisha, F. (2024, November 17). <em>Forcimi i pushtetit nga liderët e Ballkanit Perëndimor dhe dobësimi i subjektivitetit ndërkombëtar të shteteve</em>. [The strengthening of power by Western Balkan leaders and the weakening of the international subjectivity of states]. Bota Sot.</p>
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<p>Hey, J. A. K. (2003). Introduction of small states foreign policy. In J. A. K. Hey (Ed.), <em>Small states in world politics: Explaining foreign policy behaviour</em> (p. 2). Lynne Rienner Publishers.</p>
<p>Ibrahimi, S. (2025). <em>Ndërveprimi i interesave kombëtare në stabilitetin e Ballkanit Perëndimor</em>. [The interaction of national interests in the stability of the Western Balkans]. Portalb.mk.</p>
<p>Keohane, R. O. (1969). Lilliputians’ dilemmas: Small states in international politics. <em>International Organization, 23</em>(2), 291–310.</p>
<p>Marleku, A. (2025). <em>Ballkani përballë kërcënimeve të reja: Lufta në Ukrainë ndryshon pikëpamjet e sigurisë </em>[Balkans facing new threats: War in Ukraine changes security views]. SBunker.</p>
<p>Mirković, S. (2024, August 20). <em>Open Balkan, a failed step in the right direction.</em> Osservatorio Balcani e Caucaso Transeuropa. <a href="https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/en/cp_article/open-balkan-a-failed-step-in-the-right-direction/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">https://www.balcanicaucaso.org/en/cp_article/open-balkan-a-failed-step-in-the-right-direction/</a></p>
<p>Rothstein, R. L. (1968). <em>Alliances and small powers</em>. Columbia University Press.</p>
<p>Thorhallsson, B. (2018). <em>Small states and shelter theory: Iceland’s external affairs</em>. Routledge.</p>
<p>Vital, D. (1971). <em>The survival of small states: Studies in small power/great power conflict</em>. Oxford University Press.</p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: small states, foreign policy, Western Balkans, multilateral diplomacy, security</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/dilemmas-of-the-foreign-policy-of-small-states-in-the-western-balkans-between-integration-and-geopolitical-insecurity</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>85-91</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/LlznQmEed3y/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-6.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Leonora</first_name>
          <last_name>Bajrami</last_name>
          <affiliation>South-East European University, Tetovo, N. Macedonia</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Social and Cultural Aspects of Domestic Violence in Kosovo</title>
      <slug>social-and-cultural-aspects-of-domestic-violence-in-kosovo</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>In our society, marriage and the family enjoy special protection, and these are guaranteed by the Constitution. The institution of marriage and family relations are regulated by family law and are protected by criminal law. There are many forms of domestic violence, such as physical violence, psychological violence, violence against children, violence against women, violence against parents, etc., and unfortunately, we encounter almost all types in the society we live in today. Domestic violence is often seen more as a private matter rather than a violation of fundamental human rights, which hinders the proper addressing of cases and encourages the silence of victims. In many cases, due to social stigmatization and fear of judgment or losing family status, victims are reluctant to report the violence. Furthermore, economic inequality and the low employment rate of women strengthen their dependency on abusive partners, forcing them to remain in violent relationships. Effective addressing domestic violence requires an integrated approach and inter-institutional cooperation. This includes not only the implementation of existing laws but also the provision of protective and rehabilitative services, as well as the creation of mechanisms for monitoring violence and protecting victims.</p>]]></content>
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<p>Amnesty International. (2023). <em>From paper to practice: Kosovo must fulfill its commitments to survivors of domestic violence</em>. London: Amnesty International.</p>
<p>Amnesty International &amp; Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN). (2023). <em>Percentage of women’s employment and ownership</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://balkaninsight.com/2023/08/31/kosovo-failing-to-protect-domestic-violence-victims-amnesty-warns/">https://balkaninsight.com/2023/08/31/kosovo-failing-to-protect-domestic-violence-victims-amnesty-warns/</a> and <a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur73/7123/2023/en/">https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/eur73/7123/2023/en/</a></p>
<p>Association of Journalists of Kosovo. (2025). <em>Why do women remain silent? Factors influencing the underreporting of violence</em>. Pristina: Association of Journalists of Kosovo.</p>
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<p>Council of Europe. (2024). <em>Changing mindsets of perpetrators of domestic violence</em>. Strasbourg: Council of Europe.</p>
<p>Council of Europe &amp; Academy of Justice of Kosovo. (2020). <em>HELP – Human rights education for legal professionals: Domestic violence modules</em>. Pristina: Council of Europe &amp; Academy of Justice of Kosovo. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/-/help-online-course-on-violence-against-women-and-domestic-violence-launched-in-kosovo">https://www.coe.int/en/web/genderequality/-/help-online-course-on-violence-against-women-and-domestic-violence-launched-in-kosovo</a></p>
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<p>Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS). (2024). <em>Strengthening protection mechanisms of gender-based violence in Kosovo</em>. Pristina: KCSS.</p>
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<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
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<p> </p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: domestic violence, patriarchy, victim stigmatization, economic dependence, gender equality</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/social-and-cultural-aspects-of-domestic-violence-in-kosovo</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>93-105</pages>
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      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Arlinda</first_name>
          <last_name>Hasani</last_name>
          <affiliation>South East European University, Faculty of Law, Tetovo, N. Macedonia</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
        <author>
          <first_name>Ismail</first_name>
          <last_name>Zejneli</last_name>
          <affiliation>South East European University, Faculty of Law, Tetovo, N. Macedonia</affiliation>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
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    </article>
    <article>
      <title>The Influence of Social Media on Young People: On Digital Addiction and Its Psychological Implications</title>
      <slug>the-influence-of-social-media-on-young-people-on-digital-addiction-and-its-psychological-implications</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Research Article</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content><![CDATA[<p>This paper summarizes recent survey findings with previous psychological research to analyze the usage of social networking platforms in daily life and its implications for digital hygiene, self-regulation, and mental well-being. The study is particularly focused on populations susceptible to digital dependency, such as the young people. The analysis reveals a strong tendency towards immediate and frequent social media engagement upon waking and before tasks, alongside a complex emotional landscape ranging from mood enhancement to feelings of sadness and irritability upon disconnection. Furthermore, a significant portion of the surveyed population demonstrates a struggle with controlling their social media use, including failed attempts at cessation and the prioritization of digital engagement over essential life functions like sleep. Furthermore, the study employed the Social Networking Addiction Scale (SNAS) among 246 young adult respondents, revealing challenges with self-regulation and behavioral control. These findings collectively suggest a concerning trend of digital dependency, echoing warnings from researchers regarding attention degradation, compulsive usage, and the exploitation of psychological vulnerabilities by digital platforms. </p>]]></content>
      <references><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p>Alter, A. (2017). <em>Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked.</em> Penguin Press.</p>
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<p>Dzigal, S., &amp; Adjaip-Velichkovski, S. (2025). The impact of social media on youngsters’ attention, confidence, and emotional stability. <em>Knowledge – International Journal</em>, 70(1), 113-116.</p>
<p>Ignjatova, L.  (2019). Problematic internet use among youngsters: youth in high schools in North Macedonia. <em>Repository of UKIM</em><em>, available at </em><a href="https://is.gd/wF2DwU">https://is.gd/wF2DwU</a></p>
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<p>Shahnawaz, M.G. &amp; Rehman, U. (2020). Social Networking Addiction Scale. <em>Cogent Psychology, 7</em><em> (1)</em><em>: </em><em>1832032</em></p>]]></references>
      <keywords>Keywords: social media, addiction, communication, young people, education</keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/the-influence-of-social-media-on-young-people-on-digital-addiction-and-its-psychological-implications</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>107-121</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/AdXmmJxSBvT/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-8.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Sead</first_name>
          <last_name>Dzigal</last_name>
          <affiliation>International Balkan University</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
        <author>
          <first_name>Sanja</first_name>
          <last_name>Adjaip-Velichkovski</last_name>
          <affiliation>International Balkan University</affiliation>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
      </journal>
    </article>
    <article>
      <title>Ethnic Nationalism and Democracy: The Case of North Macedonia by Flamur Ismaili Published by Balkan University Press</title>
      <slug>ethnic-nationalism-and-democracy-the-case-of-north-macedonia-by-flamur-ismaili-published-by-balkan-university-press</slug>
      <parent>
        <title>Volume 2, Issue 2</title>
      </parent>
      <post_type>
        <title>Book Review</title>
      </post_type>
      <year>2025</year>
      <volume>2</volume>
      <content />
      <references />
      <keywords></keywords>
      <date>2025-11-30</date>
      <url>https://brj.ibupress.com/articles/ethnic-nationalism-and-democracy-the-case-of-north-macedonia-by-flamur-ismaili-published-by-balkan-university-press</url>
      <issue>2</issue>
      <pages>123-124</pages>
      <language>en</language>
      <license>CC BY-NC-ND 4.0</license>
      <license_url>https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/</license_url>
      <pdf>https://brj.ibupress.com/file/GmvdJWAbxRE/ibu-journal-brj-2-2-9.pdf</pdf>
      <authors>
        <author>
          <first_name>Kire</first_name>
          <last_name>Sharlamanov</last_name>
          <affiliation>International Balkan University</affiliation>
          <corresponding>true</corresponding>
        </author>
      </authors>
      <journal>
        <title>Balkan Research Journal</title>
        <issn>2955-2516</issn>
        <eissn>2955-2524</eissn>
        <publisher>Balkan University Press</publisher>
        <url>https://brj.ibupress.com</url>
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