From the November 2022 Paper 3 IBDP HL History exam
Slobodan Milošević, a name deeply etched in the annals of the Balkan Peninsula, bears significant responsibility for the horrific events that unfolded during the 1990s. As a powerful and highly influential political figure, his actions and decisions catalysed what many refer to as Europe's darkest period since the Second World War. To fully appreciate Milošević's role in the Balkan conflicts, it is necessary to examine his rise to power, the policies he enacted, and the consequences of his rule on the Yugoslav republics and their interrelations. By focusing on the influence of this single, polarising figure, this essay will provide a comprehensive understanding of the part Milošević played in shaping the destiny of the region.
Born and raised in the former Yugoslavia, Milošević held a variety of positions within the Communist Party before ascending to the position of President of Serbia in 1989. The years leading up to his appointment were fraught with social and economic unrest, and ethnic tensions were escalating within Yugoslavia. Milošević leveraged these tensions, strategically utilising Serbian nationalism as a tool to consolidate power. Timothy Garton Ash famously argued that Milošević's rise to power "marked the beginning of the end for Yugoslavia." While this assertion has been contested, it is evident that Milošević's ascendancy significantly altered the balance of power within Yugoslavia and set the stage for future conflict. Milošević's political strategy fundamentally relied on fostering and exploiting ethnic discord. His infamous 1989 speech at the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo Polje fanned the flames of Serbian nationalism, sowing further discord among Yugoslavia's constituent republics. He openly portrayed Serbs as victims of a national and international conspiracy, thereby justifying the use of force to protect Serbian interests. The manipulative rhetoric and policies of Milošević had a profound impact on the dynamics within Yugoslavia. As Noel Malcolm noted, "Milošević's nationalism was not a means to an end; it was an end in itself." This assertion reflects the critical role Milošević played in polarising ethnic relations and setting the stage for war.
Milošević's presidency was defined by the pursuit of a 'Greater Serbia,' a mission he hoped to achieve through the forced redistribution of territories. This would involve violent campaigns in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo, where substantial Serb minorities resided. Milošević manipulated the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) to this end, culminating in the brutalities that became synonymous with the conflicts. However, this perspective should not eclipse the agency of those involved in the conflict. It is vital to remember that Milošević was not solely responsible for the conflicts; other nationalist leaders, such as Franjo Tudjman of Croatia and Alija Izetbegović of Bosnia, also played significant roles in the escalation of tensions. In Croatia, Milošević supported the Serb minority's uprising against the newly independent state, culminating in the devastating Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995). His covert manipulation of the JNA ensured their support for the Serb insurrection, resulting in the decimation of cities like Vukovar and Dubrovnik. Similarly, in Bosnia, Milošević backed Radovan Karadzić and his plan for ethnic segregation, ultimately leading to the catastrophic Bosnian War (1992-1995). Lastly, Milošević's decision to revoke Kosovo's autonomy in 1989 laid the groundwork for the later Kosovo War (1998-1999).
Despite the devastation brought by these conflicts, it is essential to understand the impact of Milošević's policies on a broader scale. The idea of a 'Greater Serbia' had far-reaching implications, not just for Yugoslavia's republics but also for the wider international community. It challenged the West's commitment to uphold international law and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination. In a broader context, Robert Kaplan's assertion that Milošević's actions heralded the "return of history" underlines the global implications of the Balkan conflicts.
In conclusion, there is no denying the crucial role that Milošević played in the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s. His rise to power, adoption of nationalistic policies, and quest for a 'Greater Serbia' significantly shaped the dynamics within Yugoslavia, leading to devastating wars in Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo. While acknowledging the agency of other actors involved in the conflicts, Milošević's influence was decisive and far-reaching. His actions not only instigated violence and tragedy on a massive scale but also reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Balkan Peninsula and challenged the principles of international relations. As we reflect on this dark chapter of European history, the figure of Slobodan Milošević serves as a potent reminder of the destructive potential of unchecked nationalism and the abuse of power.
