Yugoslavia: The Process of Disintegration (East European Monographs) by Laslo Sekelj provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the factors and events that led to the disintegration of Yugoslavia in the late 20th century. The book examines the complex political, ethnic, and economic dynamics that gradually unraveled the unity of the once-mighty Yugoslav federation, focusing on the period leading up to and following its eventual breakup in the 1990s.
Sekelj explores the historical roots of Yugoslavia’s fragmentation, tracing the internal divisions between its constituent republics and ethnic groups, as well as the role of nationalism and shifting political ideologies in destabilizing the country. The book investigates the crucial events, such as the rise of Slobodan Miloševi, the role of international actors, and the failure of Yugoslav leadership to manage tensions, that culminated in violent conflict and the emergence of new nation-states in the Balkans.
Drawing from a wealth of primary sources, political analysis, and historical data, Yugoslavia: The Process of Disintegration provides readers with a deep understanding of the forces at play during this pivotal period in Eastern European history. Sekelj’s work situates the disintegration of Yugoslavia within broader regional and global contexts, examining how the end of the Cold War, the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, and the international community’s response contributed to the country’s downfall.
This book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the complex and often tragic unraveling of Yugoslavia and the long-lasting impact it has had on the Balkan region and international relations.
Yugoslavia: The Process of Disintegration by Laslo Sekelj:
Comprehensive Analysis of Yugoslavia’s Disintegration: The book offers a thorough examination of the factors that contributed to the breakup of Yugoslavia, focusing on both internal and external forces that led to its collapse in the 1990s.
Historical Context: Sekelj traces the historical roots of Yugoslavia’s disintegration, highlighting ethnic divisions, political tensions, and the legacy of both World War II and the Communist regime.
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflicts: A central feature of the book is its analysis of the role of nationalism and ethnic tensions in fueling separatist movements, particularly among Serbs, Croats, and Bosniaks, and how these played out in the wars that followed the breakup.
Political Leadership and Ideology: Sekelj examines the role of key political leaders, including Slobodan Milošević, and the ideologies they promoted, which often exacerbated divisions within Yugoslavia and between its republics.
The Impact of the End of the Cold War: The book contextualizes the disintegration of Yugoslavia within the broader framework of the end of the Cold War and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, analyzing how these global shifts influenced the situation in the Balkans.
International Involvement: The study considers the role of international actors, such as the European Union, the United States, and the United Nations, and their influence on Yugoslavia’s disintegration process, including diplomatic efforts and military interventions.
Economic Factors: Sekelj addresses the economic conditions that contributed to the weakening of the Yugoslav federation, including economic disparities between republics and the difficulties of managing a diverse, multi-ethnic economy under a centralized system.
The Role of the Military: The book explores the military dynamics during the disintegration, including the role of the Yugoslav People's Army and the eventual fragmentation of military loyalty as republics sought independence.
Conflict and War: A detailed look at the wars that followed the disintegration, particularly the Croatian War of Independence, the Bosnian War, and the Kosovo conflict, is included, with an analysis of the human cost and the lasting impact on the region.
Primary Sources and Scholarly Insight: The book draws on a variety of primary sources, including government documents, speeches, and personal accounts, providing in-depth insights into the decision-making processes and the lived experiences of those involved.
Regional and Global Perspectives: Sekelj positions the disintegration of Yugoslavia within the broader regional and global context, analyzing how shifting geopolitical dynamics, such as the rise of nationalism and the decline of communism, shaped the outcome.