Balkans

People watch the military parade on February 17, 2022 in Pristina, Kosovo. A decade after the 1998-99 war between ethnic Albanian rebels and Serbian forces, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. Today Kosovo is recognised by over 110 states, fewer than currently recognise Palestine. © Ferdi Limani/Getty Images

Kosovo and Palestine: Diverging Self-Determination

Though united by aspirations for independence, they ended up in opposite geopolitical camps.

9 Sep 25

A man stands amid debris in front of a residential apartment complex that was heavily damaged by a Russian attack on March 18, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine. © Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Thirty Years After Bosnia, History Repeats Itself in Ukraine

But the international community’s unprecedented unity and support comes in sharp contrast to their response three decades ago.

6 Apr 22

A view of the central Sarajevo. © Damir Bosnjak/Unsplash

Ukraine Crisis Revives Fears in Bosnia

Concerns that BiH could be next on Russian president Vladimir Putin’s list are fueled by ethnic divisions among the country’s politicians.

1 Apr 22

A small river runs through the center of Vareš. The whole area is rich in water. © IWPR

Bosnia: The Town That Resisted Ethnic Division

Despite nationalist politics elsewhere, residents refuse to be divided along ethnic lines.

22 Dec 21

A black marble monument has marked the site of the Ovčara mass grave since 1998. © Alan Davis

Vukovar: the First, Forgotten Casualty of the Yugoslav War

Attacked from the east and ignored by the West, the city's plight set a precedent for the coming years of conflict.

18 Nov 21

A view of the city cemetery in Sarajevo – a constant reminder of the war that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992-95 and saw over 100,000 dead. © Matej Divizna/Getty Images

Bosnia: The Lesson We Learned from Afghanistan

Amid mounting crisis, another armed conflict is more plausible than at any other time since the end of the 1992-95 war.

8 Nov 21

Ratko Mladic, a former Bosnian Serb military chief will spend the rest of his life in prison. © ICTY

Can Final Mladic Verdict Give Hope for Justice in Syria?

Campaigners note lessons and warnings as the UN tribunal ends its work.

28 Jun 21

While most media in Serbia as well as Bosnia and Herzegovina are privately owned, the ruling parties have enormous influence over editorial policies. © Andrej Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images

Is Media in the Balkans Really Free?

Poor management and few financing options mean that most outlets are in thrall to political powers.

1 May 21

Still from Quo Vadis, Aida? - a film by Jasmila Žbanić.

Quo Vadis, Bosnia?

Oscar-nominated film reminds us that, 25 years after Srebrenica, coexistence is far from harmonious.

24 Mar 21

President of Montenegro and ruler of the Democratic party of Socialists (DPS) Milo Djukanovic gives a speech to following the elections on August 30, 2020 in Podgorica, Montenegro. (Photo: Filip Filipovic/Getty Images)

Russia's New Cold War in the Western Balkans

Moscow is manipulating unresolved internal divisions to cement its own influence.

21 Sep 20

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