Back to Basics? International Engagement and Recurring Conflict in Southeastern Europe

In: The global review of ethnopolitics, Band 3, Heft 3-4, S. 44-59

Abstract

Draws upon the contemporary literature in international relations & policy-relevant work on conflict-related political interventions to analyze international engagements with the Balkan states. The focus is on three eras that are distinctive in terms of motives & means. Differences are pointed out between practices associated with interim administration & those related to the "(hypothetical) end state of affairs" in both conflict & postconflict interventions. The era of 19th century entanglements by France, Austro-Hungary, Prussia, Russia, & GB occurred unilaterally on the basis of Concert of Europe norms. The second era, encompassing the interwar period, WWII, & the Cold War, was characterized by internationalist motives & efforts to reinforce minority rights. The post-Cold War era featured military/political interventions by Great Powers acting together & postconflict administration handled by global multilateral institutions. This information is used to explore the legitimacy & effectiveness of contemporary interventions in the Balkan Peninsula. It is concluded that careful consideration must be given to basic goals & means before international engagement is undertaken in regions of conflict. 35 References. J. Lindroth