Evolution of Political Culture in the Balkans States

The author argues that 12 states of the Balkans have a completely different political culture and political processes. First and foremost, these processes are historically predetermined. Even within the Ottoman Empire, the policy of these regions was aimed at "breaking off" from the Ottoman political culture, reducing its impact on the subjects that were part of the empire. Although the Balkans form a single whole, but time has had a different effect on the various participants in the political process. Thus, some modern states are experiencing a crisis typical of the period of the development of national states (Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina), others are in the process of creating a modern democratic state, and the third ones are trying to ‘comprehend’ the integration processes. Furthermore, an attractive model of political status can be Bulgaria, which has a stable democratic regime (besides some problems) and the peaceful coexistence of minorities and ethnic communities. The leverage for this should be focused on joint initiatives in the region, on enhancing political cooperation and accelerating the integration mechanisms. Keywords: The Balkans States, political culture, Bulgaria, integration