Sonya Hinkova

Assoc. Prof. Sonya Hinkova, PhD, is a faculty member in the Department of Political Sciences at New Bulgarian University (NBU). Her academic career includes positions as Associate Professor at South-West University (2002–2004), Senior Assistant at the same institution (1998), Expert at Bulgaria's Ministry of Defence (1992), and Scientific Associate at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (1991). She completed specialized training at the Institute for East West Studies in New York (1993–1994) and received a NATO scholarship (1994–1996).

Her research explores international relations, geopolitical strategies, ethnic conflicts, and European integration, particularly in the Balkan context. She employs historical and theoretical frameworks to analyze sovereignty, diplomacy, and security.

Her publications demonstrate a focus on 19th–21st century diplomatic systems, Balkan geopolitics, identity politics, and EU enlargement challenges. Recent works (2013–2016) emphasize Turkey's regional influence, religious dynamics in Bulgaria, and protest rhetoric.

Awards & Honors:

• NATO Institutional Scholarship (1994–1996)

She teaches undergraduate courses including The Modern World and International Relations. No student advising or lab affiliations are documented.