As the Balkan region continues to navigate complex historical legacies and contemporary global dynamics, the Balkan Studies Congress remains committed to fostering a vibrant academic network that bridges diverse perspectives. By bringing together researchers, scholars, and students from various disciplines, the congress not only contributes to a deeper understanding of the region’s socio-political, economic, and cultural transformations but also paves the way for future collaborations that will shape the academic and intellectual landscape of the Balkans and beyond. The Balkan Studies Congress is an international academic platform designed to encourage interdisciplinary research in the social sciences, enhance academic exchange, and contribute to high-quality scholarly output. By fostering intellectual collaboration, the congress aims to establish a common language and methodology for overcoming challenges in knowledge production, particularly in states and societies still recovering from the effects of the post-1990 wars in the Western Balkans. This volume comprises meticulously reviewed papers presented at the Second Balkan Studies Congress, held in Tirana from September 16–18, 2022. The congress reaffirmed the viability and significant impact of this academic framework, facilitating rigorous scholarly dialogue and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration within a remarkably short period. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, International Balkan University, İLEM Organization, University of New York in Tirana, and Istanbul Medeniyet University for their invaluable support in making this congress a success. We hope that this book serves as an inspiring resource for researchers interested in Balkan studies and contributes to the advancement of academic dialogue in the region.