The Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s

Abstract

The Yugoslav wars of the 1990s involved the violent destruction of a society in the midst of the collapse of state socialism. The moment war broke out, academic and public debates began, concerning the long- and short-term causes of the wars and where responsibility should lie. Not only do these controversies continue - even coming up against each other in courts of law - but fresh areas of debate have emerged, which historians must take into account. Catherine Baker brings together the major arguments of the most up-to-date scholarship on the Yugoslav wars. This book provides a clear introduction to the topic and demonstrates how debates have evolved, and where more research is required. Alongside this, Baker also exposes the politics and complexities of narrating and interpreting the very recent past.-- Yugoslavia and its origins -- The break-up of the Yugoslav Federation -- From crisis to war in Slovenia and Croatia -- The war in Bosnia-Herzegovina -- The Kosovo War and its aftermath -- Peacebuilding, reconciliation and reconstruction -- The past on trial -- Culture and language during and after the wars.