The bloody wars of secession in former Yugoslavia have been one of the greatest tragedies in the post-Cold War-period. Hardly anyone was “(…) entirely prepared for the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the ensuing civil war (…).” (Simic, 2000:103) Within a short period of time the multinational state, which had consisted of a diversity of ethnic groups that had lived together for decades, simply ceased to exist. In the cruel wars from 1991-1995 huge numbers of people were killed, ethnic cleansing was quite common. But what were the causes of the drama? Why did neighbours suddenly turn against neighbours? The Yugoslavia-wars have been subject to numerous studies that have tried to analyse the reasons for the drama. The concept of nationalism is frequently referred to in this context.1 However, nationalism does not always imply such a negative notion, it can also lead to positive developments.2 By examining the causes of conflict in former Yugoslavia one immediately finds that this case is very complex, many different factors contributed to the outbreak of the wars.3 This essay analyses the connection between nationalism and the wars in Yugoslavia by taking into account the complexity of this specific case. First, it provides a definition of nationalism and explains three nationalism-theories, followed by a brief outline of the nature of the Yugoslav state in section two. Sections three and four examine the different theories and the role of nationalism in light of the various factors and developments that led to war. The essay concludes by providing an answer to the question of whether nationalism was the main cause of the wars of secession in former Yugoslavia. 1 There are also approaches that focus on other factors than nationalism. Roe (2000) for example explains the wars in Yugoslavia with the concept of the security dilemma. However, the focus of this paper will mainly be on the nationalism-concept. 2 An example for the Velvet Revolutions are the peaceful mass demonstrations in the former GDR in 1989, which, inspired by the slogan “Wir sind ein Volk”, led to the reunification of Germany in October 1990. Heywood (2000: 256) demonstrates that nationalism can mean freedom and democracy on the one hand but also oppression, intolerance and conflict on the other. 3 At this point it has to be remarked that an explanation, which would focus on nationalism as a natural phenomenon, would simply be an oversimplification.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Definition and theories of nationalism
- Primordialism
- Modernism
- Ethnicism
- The nature of the Yugoslav state
- The primordialist perspective
- The modernist perspective
- Reinforcement
- Manipulation and war
- How useful is the modernist theory for explaining the causes of war?
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay examines the relationship between nationalism and the wars in Yugoslavia, considering the complexity of the situation. It aims to determine whether nationalism was the primary cause of the wars of secession.
- Definition and theories of nationalism
- The nature of the Yugoslav state
- The role of primordialism in the Yugoslav context
- The role of modernism in the Yugoslav context
- The connection between nationalism and the outbreak of war
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter defines nationalism and explores three key theories - primordialism, modernism, and ethnicism. Chapter two outlines the unique nature of the Yugoslav state, characterized by its diverse ethnic groups. Chapter three examines the primordialist perspective on nationalism, analyzing its implications for the Yugoslav situation. Chapter four explores the modernist perspective, evaluating its relevance in understanding the causes of war in Yugoslavia.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This essay focuses on the relationship between nationalism, ethnic diversity, and conflict. Key terms include primordialism, modernism, ethnicism, the Yugoslav state, secession, and the wars in former Yugoslavia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was nationalism the primary cause of the Yugoslav wars?
While nationalism played a significant role, the essay argues that the situation was complex, involving various factors beyond just ethnic sentiment, such as political manipulation and the security dilemma.
What is the "primordialist" perspective on nationalism?
Primordialism views nationalism as a natural, ancient phenomenon rooted in deep-seated ethnic identities that inevitably lead to conflict when different groups live together.
How does the "modernist" theory explain the outbreak of war?
Modernism suggests that nationalism is a constructed tool used by elites to manipulate populations and consolidate power, rather than an inherent biological or ancient drive.
What was the nature of the Yugoslav state before the secession?
Yugoslavia was a multinational state consisting of a high diversity of ethnic groups that had lived together relatively peacefully for decades before the dissolution in the early 1990s.
Can nationalism have positive effects according to the essay?
Yes, the essay notes that nationalism can lead to positive developments like freedom and democracy, citing the peaceful "Velvet Revolutions" in the GDR as an example.
What is "ethnic cleansing" in the context of the Yugoslav wars?
It refers to the systematic and violent removal of ethnic groups from certain territories to create ethnically "pure" regions, a tragic feature of the 1991-1995 conflicts.
- Quote paper
- Julia Heise (Author), 2005, Was nationalism the main cause of the wars of secession in the former Yugoslavia?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/39096
