The Yugoslav Wars

The Yugoslav Wars (1991-2001) were a series of conflicts following the breakup of Yugoslavia, a multi-ethnic country in Southeast Europe. As republics sought independence, ethnic tensions between groups (Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, and others) escalated into violent clashes, including war crimes and ethnic cleansing. The wars involved various international interventions and resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and destruction. The conflicts highlighted deep-rooted historical, political, and ethnic divisions, ultimately leading to the creation of smaller, more ethnically aligned nations in the region.