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► political sociology; comparative politics; European studies; area studies
 The Cevipol is also defined by its geographical areas of expertise

Its main scientific specialisation is on the European continent. Its researchers provide an in-depth analysis of the institutional, social, economic, ideological, identity, and cultural dynamics that have shaped European political development in modern and contemporary history. 
European politics is studied in its national, transnational, and supranational dimensions.
The Cevipol enjoys a long-standing and broadly acknowledged reputation for excellence in the field of Belgian politics. France and the United Kingdom are also important fields of investigation, along with Spain, the Netherlands, Italy, and Germany. 
Another fundamental axis of development of the Cevipol has been the study of Central and Eastern Europe before and after the EU enlargements. Romania first of all, but Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, and Albania have been the subject of in-depth research. 
Russia, the Caucasus (Abkhazia, Armenia, Chechnya), and the post-Soviet area more broadly, are other strong fields of expertise within our team. 
The EU as a political system and an arena of interactions is an essential part of understanding current European realities. 

The Cevipol produces research on other parts of the world as well, to contribute to the understanding of their endogenous dynamics but also to develop comparisons with Europe.  North America mobilises many of our scholars, particularly the United States and Canada.  Similarly, South America is a topic of research, with a particular focus on Brazil and the Andes. Finally, comparative or thematic research increasingly leads academics to take into consideration Asia (specifically China and Japan), the Middle-East, and Africa.