# Contemporary History Institute
**Wikidata**: [Q5164984](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5164984)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contemporary_History_Institute)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/contemporary-history-institute

## Summary
The Contemporary History Institute is a Serbian research organization established in 1987 as part of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, specializing in the study of contemporary history with a focus on Serbia and the Balkans. It conducts research, publishes scholarly works, and preserves historical archives, contributing to academic and public understanding of modern historical events.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia.
- Part of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA).
- Focuses on contemporary history, particularly Serbia and the Balkans.
- Originally named the Institute for Contemporary History of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts.
- VIAF ID: 155607411.
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n82134374.
- Yale LUX ID: group/7a5d881d-17db-4835-a669-d5678086efab.
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007581000705171.
- Publishes the journal *Contemporary History* (Савремена историја).
- Conducts research projects such as "Yugoslavia in the 20th Century" and "Serbia in the World Wars".
- Maintains archival collections of historical documents and oral histories.
- Collaborates with international institutions like the Institute for Advanced Study in Berlin.
- Recognized in 1 Wikipedia language edition (English).

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Contemporary History Institute founded?
A: The institute was established in 1987 as part of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts in Belgrade, Serbia.

### Q: What is the institute's primary focus?
A: It specializes in researching and documenting contemporary history, with an emphasis on Serbia, the Balkans, and Yugoslavia in the 20th century.

### Q: How does it differ from general research institutes?
A: Unlike broader research institutes, it is specifically dedicated to historical scholarship, combining archival work, publications, and interdisciplinary projects focused on modern historical themes.

### Q: What notable projects has the institute undertaken?
A: Key initiatives include the "Yugoslavia in the 20th Century" research series, oral history collections, and collaborations with international partners to contextualize Balkan history within global frameworks.

## Why It Matters
The Contemporary History Institute plays a critical role in preserving and interpreting the complex history of Serbia and the Balkans, addressing topics such as nationalism, political transitions, and social change. By conducting rigorous archival research and fostering international collaboration, it bridges academic scholarship with public discourse, providing essential context for understanding contemporary Balkan identity and politics. Its work supports reconciliation efforts, informs policy debates, and ensures the accessibility of historical records for future generations, making it indispensable for both regional and global historical scholarship.

## Notable For
- Affiliation with the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, granting it institutional credibility and resources.
- Specialization in 20th-century Yugoslav and Serbian history, a period marked by significant political upheaval.
- Publication of the peer-reviewed journal *Contemporary History*, a key platform for Balkan historical research.
- Development of the "Yugoslavia in the 20th Century" project, analyzing the rise and fall of the Yugoslav state.
- Preservation of unique archival collections, including documents from the World War II resistance movement and the Yugoslav socialist era.
- Hosting international conferences such as "Balkan History in Global Perspective," fostering cross-border scholarly dialogue.

## Body

### History and Structure
The Contemporary History Institute was founded in 1987 in Belgrade, Serbia, as a research unit of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA). Initially named the Institute for Contemporary History of SASA, it emerged during a period of renewed interest in documenting Yugoslavia's turbulent 20th-century history. The institute operates under the academic governance of SASA, benefiting from its resources while maintaining specialized focus on modern historical studies.

### Research Focus
The institute prioritizes research into Serbia and the Balkans from the late 19th century to the present, with particular emphasis on:
- **Political History**: State formation, governance, and international relations in Yugoslavia and its successor states.
- **Social History**: Cultural, economic, and societal transformations, including urbanization and migration.
- **Conflict Studies**: Analysis of World War I, World War II, and the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s.
- **Oral History**: Collecting testimonies from individuals who experienced pivotal historical events.

### Key Projects and Publications
- **"Yugoslavia in the 20th Century"**: A multi-volume series examining Yugoslavia's creation, socialist era, and dissolution.
- **"Serbia in the World Wars"**: Research project assessing Serbia's role in global conflicts and their domestic impact.
- **Journal *Contemporary History***: Published since 1988, featuring peer-reviewed articles on Balkan and international historical themes.
- **Archival Collections**: Preservation of documents from the Yugoslav Partisans, post-1945 socialist policies, and 1990s political transitions.

### International Collaboration
The institute partners with global institutions such as:
- **Institute for Advanced Study, Berlin**: Joint workshops on comparative historical methodologies.
- **Central European University, Budapest**: Cross-disciplinary projects on memory studies and nationalism.
- **French School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS)**: Franco-Serbian research initiatives on Balkan historiography.

### Legacy and Impact
Through its research, the institute has influenced:
- **Academic Discourse**: Shaping narratives on Yugoslav socialism and the region's integration into European history.
- **Public Policy**: Providing historical context for reconciliation efforts in post-conflict Serbia and the Balkans.
- **Cultural Preservation**: Digitizing endangered archives, such as wartime correspondence and Cold War-era political records.

### Identifiers and Recognition
- **VIAF ID**: 155607411 (Virtual International Authority File).
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n82134374.
- **Yale LUX ID**: group/7a5d881d-17db-4835-a669-d5678086efab.
- **National Library of Israel J9U ID**: 987007581000705171.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: English-language entry documenting its founding, mission, and contributions.

### Challenges and Evolution
The institute has navigated shifts in historical interpretation, particularly following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. It has adapted to contemporary demands by incorporating digital humanities tools and expanding research into transnational themes, such as migration and environmental history, while maintaining its core focus on the Balkans.

## References

1. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File