NCJ Number
145197
Journal
Studies in Conflict and Terrorism Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: (1993) Pages: 187-199
Date Published
1993
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Ethnic nationalism is the strongest element in Yugoslavia today; therefore, artificial efforts to end the violent conflict in Bosnia-Hercegovina and create a viable Yugoslav nation-state will prove costly and ultimately ineffective.
Abstract
The violent and brutal conflict in Yugoslavia today is deeply entrenched in the past. The ethnic origins of this conflict go back thousands of years, but more recently to the experiences of World War II. All three parties to the current conflict (Serbians, Croatians, and Muslims) have noted divisions during the war that justify their actions today. The rise of communism following the war was a direct result of these divisions, producing perhaps what many have called the only true Yugoslav, Marshall Tito. According to the old saying, Yugoslavia consists of six republics, five nationalities, four languages, three religions, two alphabets, one political party, and only one Yugoslav. As a result, the only possibility for a reunited Yugoslavia would require circumstances similar to those that united Yugoslavians in World War II: a common enemy and a unique leader who would be willing to put aside nationalistic differences. Notes and 40 references