Balkan studies : selected general and methodological issues

Abstract

The problem of approaching the Balkans as a region is a subject that
requires a great deal of research. There are no fundamental methodological
principies capable of forming a foundation for such research. In Contemporary
regional studies two different approaches may be distinguished : 1) extensivequantitative,
and 2) qualitative-synthetic. Both of them could form a basis
for thè integrative approach (inter- and trans-disciplinary methodology).
In what way may the Balkans be defined as a region? Using the principies
of factor analysis, individual groups of subjects can be discerned as the basis
for further considérations. The simplest rule of division gives the following
four groups of factors: 1) natural factors; 2) politicai factors seen through
historical development; 3) socio-economic factors; 4) the value systém including
factors connected with cultural, religious, and moral elements. The
adoption of such a model entails an analysis of individual groups of factors
to be followed by an attempi at a synthesis.