Democracies are argued to be imperative for the advancement of LGBTQ human rights. In the last two decades, however, the picture regarding LGBTQ rights has been extremely contradictory with countries adopting ‘LGBTQ friendly’ policies such as same-sex marriage or adoption while other democratic nation-states have constrained or not developed the rights of sexual minorities. Flaws in the democratic political system and the international human right regime are believed to be responsible for that. The aim of this paper is to investigate the significance of democracy in relation to sexual and gender minority human rights. This is done by (a) framing the study through previous studies related to the topic, the use of Queer IR and democratic theory, and (b) conducting a small-N comparison with content analysis where Brazil, Bulgaria and Namibia are analysed to answer the research question. Democracy is demonstrated to be a necessary factor in the process of LGBTQ right advancement, but not essential. Other factors are believed to influence the process, especially social movements and their effect in norm internalisation processes.

Diploma thesis "Comparision of roles of Juan Carlos and Simeon II. in democratic transition and question of monarchy and monarchism in Spain and Bulgaria" deals with democratic transition and question of monarchy in two concrete countries that I chose: in Spain and in Bulgaria.I confront king of Spain Juan Carlos and former tsar Simeon II. in the process of democratic transition and way they solve problems with acceptance or exclusion of monarchy. Both countries are similar in one issue: duration of monarchy was interrupted for a very long time by undemocratic regime. In the text is described, how a big role can enact one key person within political system, how its positive and concrete outcomes or committed errors could bring acceptance or exclusion of monarchy. The text is divided into historical part and present.

This diploma thesis deals with the process of oligarchization of Bulgaria after 1989. The collapse of the communist regime had created the opportunities for the emergence of a small group of ultra-wealthy citizens who had been to a varying degree involved in the process of policy decision-making therefore one can speak of oligarchy. The aim of the study is to offer a complex insight into the Bulgarian oligarchy in the years 1989-1997 while using the theoretical perspective of an American political scientist Jeffrey Winters. The other objective is to apply the parameters established by Winters for the purpose of the research of this phenomenon to the Bulgarian case in order to further develop his typology of oligarchies. The thesis put Bulgarian oligarchy into the broader context of the structural changes that took place in the country within the examined period. Based upon the analysis of the strategies for wealth defence, the thesis then presents the uniqueness of Bulgarian oligarchy. The central finding of this study is that, within one country, the oligarchs can adopt diverse strategies for wealth defence and thus one cannot speak of oligarchy in singular. The main contribution then lies in the introduction of two new types of oligarchy: aggressive and moderate.

Three pottery assemblages from the Yambol District were processed in this thesis to enrich our knowledge about the Roman and Late Antique pottery material in Ancient Thrace. The first, and most abundant assemblage, is from the Roman vicus called Yurta, which is located near the village of Stroyno and dated from the 1st /2nd c. AD till the Late Antiquity. This assemblage is substituted by different pottery classes which give us bases for identifying the variability of the pottery material and the different wares and fabrics in the area. In addition, it represents the main material for statistics and for a quantitative comparison of individual classes. The second assemblage includes 19 complete vessels from two burial mounds in Palauzovo, dated to the 2nd -3rd c. AD, and gives a comparative sample for the settlement contexts as well as a basis for studying the ways in which pottery was modified for special burial purposes. The last set of 57 vessels comes from a closed context dated to the end of the 6th c. AD, which was found in a collapsed house at the Dodoparon hillfort, rising above the village of Golyam Manastir. It represents a unique set of finds from the Late Antiquity, which is well dated and preserved. The three pottery assemblages are all different, each with a distinct character, which...

The work of Ethnology of the Gagauz village of Bălgarevo. The identity of the Bulgarian Gagauz represents the ethnogenesis and hypotheses about the origin of the Gagauz. The author interprets the ethnic identity of the Bulgarian Gagauz from a village in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. Based on the outputs of field return research, empirical data and through the projection of the actors themselves, it identifies the basic characteristics of Gagauz identity: origin, language, religion and tradition. The author describes the symbols and signs important for the community itself and answers the question of whether it is possible to label the current Bulgarian Gagauze as an ethnic group, how they identified themselves and on the basis of which attributes. The space is given by the ongoing revitalization changes against the background of new economic and socio-cultural processes. The work is supplemented by case studies and research reflection.

This study examines the discourses on reproduction and parenthood produced through media initiatives aimed at stimulating a higher birth rate in Bulgaria. It focuses on gender inequality issues in Bulgaria through the lenses of feminist media theory, cultural studies and theoretical frameworks from critical discourse analysis. Using Fairclough's three-dimensional model for a critical discourse analysis, the research explores the gender roles represented in media advert initiatives in collaboration with the campaign 'Do it now' and public discourse through the media initiative 'Parents on time'.The study reveals how motherhood and fatherhood are portrayed, and whether the discourse on reproductive responsibilities and fertility issues correspond to traditional gender roles. The analysis critically explores the use of sexist stereotypes and stigmas, and how women and men are positioned in relation to them. Results point to a predominant focus on women, reinforcement of traditional gender roles, and exclusion of men from discourse on fertility and parenthood. Thus, this thesis makes an academic contribution to the subjects of gender inequality and media representations in the context of contemporary Bulgarian society.

The aim of this study is to investigate how Todor Enchev sustained and negotiated his humanity, faith, and freedom of conscience in prison, labour, and concentration camps in late 1940’s-1950’s Bulgaria. Through a hermeneutic study, this investigation analyses Enchev’s book From Spiritual Death to Eternal Life (1998). Having been imprisoned first as a teenager for his vocal political beliefs against the communist regime in Bulgaria and thereafter for his newfound Christian faith, this study examines his narrative. This study concludes that Enchev was ultimately sustained by a vision of a greater eternal dimension and new humanity, while viewing his current suffering as a mission set before him. This vision changed his self-awareness and allowed him to persevere. His focus remained on the communication, for him, between the eternal dimension of heaven and the earthly dimension of his present. This was expressed through his behaviour and attitude towards others in the camps, a period he referred to as a ‘spiritual university’. Through this, Enchev was able to identify as a contemporary disciple and martyr, giving him a sense of duty, which gave meaning to his time in the camps and beyond.

Background: Given the impact of job satisfaction on service quality and the value, job satisfaction holds significant importance in the hospitality industry. Understanding the drivers and hinders of job satisfaction is vital in an industry influenced by globalization and market competition. Job satisfaction is a widely debated and important topic in the hospitality sector, particularly in the hotel industry. Job satisfaction has a positive effect on the turnover of the company, employees’ fulfillment, and overall quality of goods and services. However, there is still not a clear statement which are the exact factors influencing the job satisfaction in the hospitality industry. Purpose: The focus of this paper is to determine how certain components impact the job satisfaction, specifically within the Bulgarian hospitality industry. By answering the research question, the study intends to contribute to the understanding of job satisfaction itself and how it affects employees’ performance in the hospitality and service industry. The findings will also provide a foundation for future research in this field, advancing knowledge on the influence of the drivers and hinders for job satisfaction. Method: This research paper has taken a qualitative, abductive approach. This approach fits the study as new concepts and ideas can occur by exploring various theories. Interviews were executed with employees, holding different positions in luxurious hotels in Bulgaria. The aim of the qualitative research is to attain a more profound comprehension regarding the topic based on personal experience of each respondent. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this paper, it can be concluded that the drivers indeed have a significant influence on employees' performance, which results with an increase on job satisfaction.  On the other hand, it can be stated that the hinders effect job satisfaction less compared to the drivers. Furthermore, the section indicates additional research that could have been done to determine the relationship between all the factors.

Cette étude comparative examine le rôle des perceptions de corruption sur les efforts anti-corruption en Bulgarie et en Roumanie et le rôle de l'Union européenne dans cet effort depuis leur adhésion de 2007 jusqu'à aujourd'hui. L'étude se concentre sur le rôle des manifestations anti-corruption dans les deux pays et sur la manière dont ces mouvements populaires ont contribué à la création de nouveaux partis politiques. / This comparative study examines the role of perceptions of corruption on anti-corruption efforts in Bulgaria and Romania and the role of the European Union in this effort since their accession in 2007 until today. The study focuses on the role of anti-corruption protests in the two countries and how these popular movements contributed to the creation of new political parties.

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