Profile: American University of Bulgaria (AUBG)

The American University of Bulgaria (AUBG), established in 1991, serves as a beacon of hope and progress in Eastern Europe following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Home to over 1,000 students from more than 40 countries, AUBG continues to illuminate the path forward, fostering innovation and excellence in a region rich with potential. It is a young liberal arts institution with a focus on business, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and journalism.

AUBG is the only university in the world with a mission to educate democratic and ethical leaders during a time when the search for and exposure of truth are profoundly challenging.  AUBG is a beacon of light.

Now, thirty years later, AUBG has over 6,000 alumni around the globe — leaders in industries such as journalism and communications, economics, finance, technology, business and entrepreneurship, public service, academia and more. Today, AUBG remains one of a kind in the region, unrivalled in its excellence, reputation, and commitment to educating and preparing democratic and ethical leaders committed to civic engagement.

AUBG has just admitted the largest entering class in our history. For the first time, we introduced a waitlist and closed the application process early due to full capacity, ensuring we maintain the highest standards for our students. This reflects the growing demand for our world-class education. As a result, AUBG has, for the first time in many years, purchased a new campus-adjacent property to grow and expand our campus. In September 2024, AUBG broke ground on the expansion of the Skaptopara III Residence Hall, which will add 310 more beds and help us sustain the vital residential model. The new blocks will be ready to accommodate students by Fall 2026.

The Center for Information, Democracy, and Citizenship at AUBG was established to promote democratic principles and foster informed democratic citizenship. As a hub of interdisciplinary research, education, and public and civic engagement, the CIDC is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities to navigate the complexities of the digital age with confidence and critical acumen. Through pioneering initiatives in cognitive security, countering malign influence operations, and promoting digital literacy, the CIDC aims to cultivate a global society resilient against misinformation and equipped to uphold the principles of democracy and informed citizenship.

The Center’s ambition is to have a significant regional impact as the forces opposing democracy and Western interests become more and more aggressive. For example, the CIDC Disinformation Observatory, is a groundbreaking partnership with Sensika – a media monitoring firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The Observatory monitors, tracks, and tags malign narratives across the Balkans, providing invaluable insights into the dynamics of information warfare in the region. The Observatory’s work aligns with US strategic objectives to counter state-sponsored disinformation and protect democratic institutions. It provides policymakers, researchers, and civil society organizations with crucial data to understand and combat the spread of harmful narratives, thereby strengthening the region’s resilience against foreign malign influence.

Complementing the Observatory, the CIDC partners with the Poynter Institute to implement the Be MediaWise Bulgaria project which tackles the urgent need for media literacy among young people in Bulgaria. This initiative equips young citizens with the critical thinking skills necessary to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape, further bolstering societal defenses against disinformation.

Additionally, the CIDC implements the project, You(TH) Participate: Innovating Civic Engagement in Bulgaria Through Deliberative Democracy with funding from the US Embassy in Sofia. The goal of this project is to educate university-level students from Bulgaria on civil rights and enhance their democratic engagement through the organization of citizen assemblies in the country. The project seeks to promote resilience against disinformation and civic disengagement among Bulgaria’s youth. With additional funding from Heinrich Böll Stiftung, the project involves the transborder participation of students from Greece.

Under the Democratic Citizenship and Engagement focal area, the CIDC’s Advocacy Academy equips a diverse range of stakeholders with advocacy skills essential for a vibrant democracy. Funded by the National Endowment for Democracy the project is a collaboration between the CIDC and the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association and the Center for International Private Enterprise. This program resonates with the US public diplomacy goal of strengthening democratic institutions and civil society worldwide.

The Platform for Youth Dialogue and Participation, supported by the German Marshall Fund. addresses the global challenge of youth disengagement from political processes. The project empowers young people to develop innovative approaches to civic participation.  This initiative aligns with the US objective of nurturing future democratic leaders and strengthening people-to-people ties.

The Factual Media Advocacy programmatic focal area recognizes the pivotal role of journalism in democracy. Hence the CIDC’s English for Journalists program enhances the capabilities of Bulgarian media professionals. Funded by the US Embassy in Sofia, this initiative supports the US public diplomacy goal of promoting press freedom and professional journalism as bulwarks against authoritarianism and corruption.

The Christo Grozev Fellowship for Courageous Journalism, named after the globally renowned investigative journalist and AUBG alum, Christo Grozev, provides early to mid-career journalists with training, mentorship, and support to undertake significant investigative projects that uphold democracy, counter disinformation, and promote human rights and accountable governance, particularly in societies where democracy is under stress.

In an era characterized by both challenges and opportunities, we draw inspiration from the achievements of over 6,000 AUBG graduates. These individuals have left a profound mark on the world, embodying the transformative power of education.

Our pride in diversity spans continents, enriching our community with a myriad of perspectives and experiences. This diversity, coupled with our cherished values, unites us as a community of lifelong learners. Together, we are committed to building democratic societies, fostering innovation, and upholding integrity and social responsibility.

AUBG. Expand your world, shape its future. Learn more at www.aubg.edu