Ethnic conflict in Central Europe and the Balkans : a framework and U.S. policy options / Thomas S. Szayna.

By:

Szayna, Thomas S, 1960- [author.]

Contributor(s):

Publisher: Santa Monica, CA : RAND, 1994Description: xvii, 64 pages : maps ; 23 cmContent type:

text

Media type:

computer
unmediated

Carrier type:

online resource
volume

ISBN:

0833014846

Subject(s):

LOC classification:

DJK26 .S97 1993

Online resources:

Online Access

Available additional physical forms:

Also available on the internet via WWW in PDF format.

Summary: This report provides an analytical framework for thinking about the potential for militarized ethnic conflict in the central part of Europe and the Balkans. The report distinguishes between three types of ethnic tensions: (1) a mobilized ethnic group without outside backers, which can escalate to a low-intensity conflict within a specific country; (2) a mobilized ethnic group backed by a neighboring nation-state, which can escalate into an international dispute or border war; and (3) the breakup of federal states made up of ethno-territorial administrative units, which can escalate to armed struggle (a hybrid between a civil war and a war for independence that may escalate into a larger regional war). The report argues that the type of regional ethnic demands is shifting away from outright secession (breakup of states) and toward calls for autonomy. It concludes that U.S. policy should focus on controlling ethnic tensions by limiting their spread, preventing their escalation into militarized conflict, and containing any conflicts that occur. The report ends with some recommendations for the United States and the Army.

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"Arroyo Center."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 61-64).

This report provides an analytical framework for thinking about the potential for militarized ethnic conflict in the central part of Europe and the Balkans. The report distinguishes between three types of ethnic tensions: (1) a mobilized ethnic group without outside backers, which can escalate to a low-intensity conflict within a specific country; (2) a mobilized ethnic group backed by a neighboring nation-state, which can escalate into an international dispute or border war; and (3) the breakup of federal states made up of ethno-territorial administrative units, which can escalate to armed struggle (a hybrid between a civil war and a war for independence that may escalate into a larger regional war). The report argues that the type of regional ethnic demands is shifting away from outright secession (breakup of states) and toward calls for autonomy. It concludes that U.S. policy should focus on controlling ethnic tensions by limiting their spread, preventing their escalation into militarized conflict, and containing any conflicts that occur. The report ends with some recommendations for the United States and the Army.

Also available on the internet via WWW in PDF format.

Description based on print version record.