The book focuses on the specific patterns and features of Bulgaria’s modern development. The process and the results of the country’s adaptation to its new environment in the first years after abandoning socialist path, at the preparation stage leading to the EU ascension and later as a member of the European Union are analysed. The author identifies medium-term trends of Bulgarian politics and presents his own views on the political processes and their periodization. The book explores relations between Bulgaria and its key geopolitical actors as well as Sophia’s policy in the Balkan region and its interactions with neighbouring countries. The publication is intended for the agencies responsible for Russian-Bulgarian relations, as well as for researchers, teachers and students and for wider audience of readers interested in Bulgaria.