Yugoslav Wars

by dowork91

The period concerning the Yugoslav Wars straddles the 20 year mark that is the rule for this sub, but my question is about the background and causes of the war.

I understand that the wars were largely ethnic conflicts, which often ferment over centuries, and the Balkans have been considered the "powder keg of Europe" long before the establishment of Yugoslavia. does anyone recommend any good sources to learn more about the conflicts of the 1990s, how they flared up & why?

Thank you!

vastzero

Well the problem with the Yugoslav wars is that they are still a very contentious issue, particularly for people who were personally affected by them or otherwise have some type of vested interest. So a lot of what you will read (in my opinion) will be swayed or influenced by this. I have yet to find something (book, article, documentary) that really takes an unbiased academic approach to the wars, as you would see with a book about the Carthaginian wars, for example. But, I like to believe what I'm about to list takes more than one view point: (disclaimer it is Serb centric)

The Ghosts of Medak Pocket - Carol Off -- This is actually Canadian Peacekeeper centric but it does discuss the war in Medak, Croatia between Serbs and Croats.

To Kill a Nation; The attack on Yugoslavia - Michael Parenti -- Slightly more left wing in nature, if I remember correctly (it has been a while since I read it) it discusses economics and greater geo-political issues that caused the wars and spurred intervention.

Long Shadows; Truth, Lies and History - Erna Paris -- This book isn't about Yugoslavia specifically but it has a chapter on it. The book's main discussion topic is why war crime / genocides happen.

Why Angels Fall; A journey through Orthodox Europe from Byzantium to Kosovo - Victoria Clark -- Again not Yugoslavia specific but it has a discussion on how the resurgence of religion after the fall of communism caused issues. (just a chapter or two)

The Serbs; History Myth and The Destruction of Yugoslavia - Tim Judah. -- I haven't actually finished reading this one yet been side tracked by other books, work and school But its about Serbs and Yugoslavia. (not having read it that's all I can offer on it).

Hope these help.

Edit: There are many many more articles /books that are out that and that I've read but that's all that is in my library.