Bulgaria in the Global Economy: Dynamics, Challenges, and Opportunities

by Paskal Zhelev

Overview

This book presents an in-depth analysis of Bulgaria's integration into the global economy, analyzing the evolution, current status, and prospects for the country’s positioning in the ever-complex system of international economic relations. The book provides a comprehensive examination of Bulgaria's economic trajectory from its historical development to its current role in the global economy. Presenting important periods throughout Bulgaria's economic evolution, including the planned economy era and the subsequent transition to a market-oriented system, the work analyzes the profound shifts and challenges faced by the country.

The book examines the integration into the European Union, assessing both the benefits and risks associated with this pivotal relationship. Furthermore, it investigates Bulgaria's foreign economic partnerships, analyzing its interplay with major actors such as the USA, China, and Russia. Systematically exploring foreign trade in goods and services, participation in global value chains, foreign direct investment trends, and the complex dynamics of international labor migration, the book is based on rich empirical data and comparative analyses with similar economies.

It addresses emerging trends, with dedicated chapters on green transition, technological advancement, and digital transformation. Finally, the book presents policy implications derived from Bulgaria's experiences and concludes with a forward-looking perspective on enhancing Bulgaria's global economic competitiveness, making it relevant to both academic audiences and policy practitioners.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783031879227
Publisher:	Springer Nature Switzerland
Publication date:	04/16/2025
Series:	Societies and Political Orders in Transition
Pages:	217
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Paskal Zhelev is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of International Economics and Politics at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) in Sofia, Bulgaria. He holds a Ph.D. in International Economic Relations from UNWE and a master's degree in International Finance from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing, China. His academic research spans a diverse range within the field of international political economy, with a focus on regional economic integration, international trade, foreign direct investment, international competitiveness, industrial policy, and the dynamics of emerging economies.

He is currently leading a research project on foreign direct investment at the Faculty of International Relations of the University of Economics in Bratislava. His research stays in various countries, including Poland, Austria, Serbia, the USA (through the Fulbright Program), Kazakhstan, China, Slovakia, and Azerbaijan, have provided him with a broad perspective and deep insights into global economic trends and policies across diverse geopolitical landscapes.

In addition to his teaching and research activities, Zhelev is the deputy editor-in-chief of the Bulgarian Journal of International Economics and Politics and a member of the editorial boards of several academic journals. Since 2019, he has been a Board Member of the Association of Economic Universities of South and Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region (ASECU), actively contributing to regional academic cooperation and policy discussions.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 2. Dependent Pathways: The Historical Evolution of Bulgaria’s Economy.- Chapter 3. Bulgaria's Macroeconomic Foundations in a Turbulent Global Context.- Chapter 4. Bulgaria’s Integration in the EU - Benefits and Challenges.- Chapter 5. Bulgaria and the Regional Cooperation in the Black Sea Region.- Chapter 6. Foreign Economic Relations of Bulgaria with Key Global Players.- Chapter 7. Bulgaria's Foreign Trade in Goods.- Chapter 8. Bulgaria's Foreign Trade in Services.- Chapter 9. The Role of Bulgaria in the Global Value Chains.- Chapter 10. Foreign Direct Investment in Bulgaria.- Chapter 11. Bulgaria’s Participation in the International Labour Migration.- Chapter 12. Technological Advancement of the Bulgarian Economy in the Era of Digitalization.- Chapter 13. Green Transformation: Bulgaria's Path in the Energy Transition Process.- Chapter 14. Conclusion.