His research focuses upon Central and East European film culture, Media as part of conflicts in Former Yugoslavia, Eastern and Central European responses to the EU and Europeanisation, Religion and European culture and politics, with particular reference to the Balkans, Turkey, Russia, the Ukraine and the Caucausus region, Islam and Europe with particular reference to the question of secularisation, democracy and culture, Legacies of empire in contemporary Europe (Ottoman Turkey, Austria-Hungary). Karsten was the first IAMHIST Secretary General from 1977 to 1979 and served as IAMHIST President from 1979 to 1985. He served on the council as a past-president.