Introduction
The conflict in Bosnia, leading to the siege of Sarajevo, was fueled by ethnic nationalism, which had been simmering under the surface for many years. The war started in 1992 when Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence from Yugoslavia, which was a multi-ethnic state (Kaufman, 2001). Among the various aspects that contributed to the outbreak of war, ethnic tensions played a significant role (Anderson, 2006; Todd, 2018). The country was home to different ethnic groups, each with its own cultural and historical identity, which resulted in the fragmentation of the state. The ethnic tensions that caused the siege of Sarajevo are a valuable lesson about understanding, respecting, and accommodating different cultures to create a peaceful and unified society.
Research Question
The research question that I have chosen is: How does ethnicity feed into conflict? The keywords in the above question are ethnicity and conflict. It involves the relationship between ethnicity and war and how ethnicity contributes to the emergence and escalation of conflicts.
The question is asking how one’s ethnic identity can contribute to the creation or escalation of conflicts. This could include disputes between different ethnic groups and conflicts within an ethnic group. In addition, ethnicity can be used to justify violence or discrimination and can be used to create divisions between people. Therefore, the question can develop a sense of belonging or shared identity among a group, leading to competition or rivalry.
The question will be addressed using theoretical approaches such as nationalism. The theory states that ideas are based on a shared cultural, historical, and linguistic identity, which offers a sense of belonging and a source of pride for members of the nation (Renan, 2018; International Crisis Group, 2020; Esman & Telhami, 2019). However, in the former Yugoslavia, nationalism was used to fuel the war in Bosnia, which led to the siege of Sarajevo (Kaufman, 2001).
The conflict was due to the dissolution of Yugoslavia and the ensuing struggle over territory and resources between the ethnic groups in the region. As such, nationalism can be a source of conflict when it promotes nationalism and exclusionary policies. Although nationalism can be a unifying force, it can be a source of conflict, mainly when various national groups compete for resources or political power.
Case Study
The siege of Sarajevo, the capital city of Bosnia, is an example of how ethnicity can play a significant role in the conflict. During the Bosnian conflict between 1992-1995, Bosnia was divided along ethnic lines, with Bosniaks, Croats, and Serbs contending for control of the territory (Kaufman, 2001). Sarajevo, a city with a diverse population, was vulnerable to conflict due to its strategic location and the fact that it was home to all three ethnic groups.
The siege of Sarajevo began in 1992 when Bosnian Serb forces encircled the city and started a campaign of shelling and sniper fire. Many people were killed during this war, including children, and properties were damaged. Therefore, the siege of Sarajevo shows how ethnicity can feed into conflict.
The case study assists in explaining the causes and dynamics of these conflicts experienced in the Bosnia War. Nationalism was a powerful force in the region, as different national groups competed for political power and influence (Wellings, 2022). Ethnicity played a significant role, as different groups felt threatened by each other and sought to protect their interests. Furthermore, the link between ethnicity and conflict is complicated, and the theories of nationalism and ethnicity offer a valuable model for understanding this relationship. Through the evaluation of the siege of Sarajevo through these theoretical lenses, people can gain a deeper understanding of the causes and dynamics of inter-ethnic conflict and the challenges of managing diversity in complex societies.
Theory
Wellings’ argument of Nationalism and European disintegration has significantly influenced my interpretation of the siege of Sarajevo. It reveals that the war in Bosnia was fueled by the rise of nationalist movements and a desire for greater self-determination by different ethnic groups within nation-states (Wellings, 2022). He argues that the resurgence of nationalist ideologies was a direct outcome of the weakening of the Yugoslav federal government, which could not contain the growing nationalist sentiment within its constituent republics. Thus, Wellings’ argument can aid in illustrating why the Yugoslav state could not maintain its unity in the face of a powerful nationalist sentiment that resulted in its collapse.
Annotated Bibliography
Wellings, B. (2022). Nationalism and European disintegration. Nations and Nationalism.
The article addresses the role of nationalism in the disintegration of the European Union. The author explores the various forms of nationalism in the EU and how they affect European integration. The article examines the rise of radical nationalist movements, their influence on the political landscape, and the increasing prevalence of ethno-nationalist rhetoric. Therefore, the article is a crucial contribution to the literature on European integration and nationalism, offering an in-depth analysis of the topic.
Wellings, B. (2021). Brexit, nationalism, and disintegration in the European Union and the United Kingdom. Journal of Contemporary European Studies, 29(3), 322–334.
The article examines the consequences of the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and the nationalist sentiment on the rise in both the UK and the EU. It begins by outlining the various theories that tend to illustrate Britain’s decision to leave the EU and the role of nationalism in the process. The article is an invaluable resource for those interested in understanding the implications of Brexit and the role of nationalism in European politics.
Renan, E. (2018). What is a nation? And other political writings. In What Is a Nation? and Other Political Writings. Columbia University Press.
Renan’s writings focus on what constitutes a nation and national identity. His writings reflect his belief that shared memories, common cultural values, and a shared history form a nation. He illustrates how language, geography, and political legitimacy contribute to the formation of a nation. Thus, Renan discusses what constitutes a nation, the need for a shared history and culture, and the value of shared memory and identity.
Kaufman, S. J. (2001). Modern hatreds: The symbolic politics of ethnic war. Cornell University Press.
The book examines the history and nature of ethnic hatred from the perspective of modern international politics. Kaufman examines how ethnic hatred is constructed and maintained, often through symbols and rhetoric. Furthermore, he illustrates how ethnic hatred is employed to legitimize violence and how this can be countered through non-violent resistance. Kaufman explains case studies from the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, and the Middle East. Therefore, the book is an important contribution to understanding modern ethnic conflict and is relevant to current debates on the issue.
Anderson, B. (2006). Imagined communities: Reflections on the origin and spread of nationalism. Verso books.
This book explores the origins and spread of nationalism as a global phenomenon. Anderson examines the development of nation-states and the role of language, print, and media in shaping national identity and creating a sense of shared belonging. In chapter five, “Old Languages, New Models,” the author majors on how the development of nationalism has been impacted by language. Anderson examines the role of language in defining national identity and how it has been used to unite and divide communities.
International Crisis Group. (2020). Identity crisis: Ethnicity and conflict in Myanmar. Crisis Group. Web.
The International Crisis Group (ICG) report provides an in-depth look at the complex ethnic tensions in Myanmar that often lead to conflict. It observes the history of the country’s relationship with several of its ethnic minorities and the current situation regarding violence and its implications. The report focuses on the expertise of ICG’s experienced staff members with backgrounds in international law, human rights, political science, and field research in Myanmar.
Esman, M. J., & Telhami, S. (Eds.). (2019). International organizations and ethnic conflict. Cornell University Press.
The book examines the theoretical frameworks and conceptual approaches used to analyze ethnic conflicts and their resolution. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the role of international organizations in resolving ethnic disputes, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical frameworks and practical approaches used to address these conflicts. It is crucial for practitioners, as it includes case studies of successful interventions and offers insight into international organizations’ challenges in resolving these conflicts.
Todd, J. (2018). The politics of identity change and conflict: An agenda for research. Politics, 38(1), 84–93.
The article provides an agenda for further research into identity change and conflict politics. It focuses on how identities are shaped and transformed by political contexts, how identity-based conflicts emerge, and how identity-based conflicts can be managed. The article is divided into four main sections: the political contexts of identity change, identity-based conflict, managing identity-based dispute, and the implications for research. The author supports his arguments using evidence from various social sciences, including sociology, anthropology, and political science.
Conclusion
The siege of Sarajevo was a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of ethnic tensions and a stark reminder of the need for governments to make sure that all ethnic groups in society were treated fairly and equitably. Most of the victims of the conflict serve as a reminder to the international community of the importance of working together to promote peace and reconciliation. The legacy of the Bosnia wars continues to shape the region today, and the lessons learned will continue to be relevant for generations to come.