Karl Kaser (born 1954) is an Austrian historian specializing in the social and cultural history of Southeast Europe, particularly the Balkans. He currently serves as a professor at the University of Graz, where he is affiliated with the Institute for East European History.
Kaser's academic work is characterized by an interdisciplinary approach, integrating historical methods with insights from anthropology and sociology. His research interests broadly encompass family and kinship structures, gender relations (with a notable focus on masculinity studies), and the visual history of the region. He has also extensively explored the socio-cultural legacies of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans and the dynamics of state formation and societal transformation in post-Ottoman societies.
Throughout his career, Kaser has contributed significantly to Balkan studies through numerous publications, including monographs, edited volumes, and articles in prominent academic journals. His work is widely recognized for its depth and its critical engagement with complex historical narratives, making him a leading figure in the field of modern and contemporary history of Southeast Europe.