Remaking the Balkans

by Christopher Cviic

A comprehensive analysis of the political and security implications for southeastern Europe - indeed for the whole of Europe - resulting from the collapse of communism. This second edition has been significantly revised to include an assessment of the consequences of the disintegration of Yugoslavia and the ensuing war in Bosnia.

Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

Reviews

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

The aspect of the book that most caught my attention was the author's (I believe Croatian) adherence to the theme of Balkan nationalism and the argument that nationalist policies were maintained even under the communist regime. For example, in Romania, where communism did not work, Stalin took a step in line with Romania's national goal by leaving northern Transylvania to that country in order to make communism effective. Similarly, even anti-communists in Bulgaria engaged in “nationalist” movements, albeit under the banner of communism, in order to avoid heavy war reparations after World War II and to come under the protection (patronage) of a powerful country (i.e., national interests).

While I like the author's argument, I still believe that these countries, given their circumstances, had little choice but to accept the situation, rather than follow a conscious nationalist policy.
The author argues that the Balkan wars of the 1990s stemmed from communism's failure to curb nationalism more effectively than it had before communism. As an interesting side thesis, the author also argues that Turkey will lead as a balancing force in the Balkans in the future.

I enjoyed reading it.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was more of an amateur effort that made its point well, but it still came up short in that it did not seem professional nor academic. Not well documented, but merely seemed like a person's own ideas flowing from his pen. I did use it in my paper though. He did use the well know idea of greater Serbia to explain shortcomings.