The Balkanization of the West Book

A very decent and engaging book.

Basically, it tells the story of the Serb nation over the past thousand years. But more than that, it ties historical facts - and myths - with contemporary events. It is amazing how seemingly distant and supposedly isolated (or insignificant) things can have such long-lasting effects.

Of course, there's the struggle of Serbs against the Turks, the 19th century nationalism, the Balkan wars - a neverending series of them. In fact, the best way to summarize this book would be to call it The Balkan Boogaloo 3.

The book purposefully focuses on Serbs, so in some cases, the perspective of other participants in the equation is missing. Even so, this is a fascianting read. Most of the material covers the post-WWII era, the Serb paradox under Tito, the build-up of nationalism, and then side by side with the wars of 1991-1995 and the Kosovo conflict, you also get a very interesting glimpse into the life of ordinary Serbs in Serbia in these times. Some of it simply feels too surreal - but here, the author's personal experience adds an entertaining if bizarre and sad flavors, as he has lived in Belgrade in that era, and witnesses the boogaloo first hand.

Overall, it's a very decent read - there's lots of stuff that I've not seen covered elsewhere, it doesn't sugarcoat anything, and it gives a fairly balanced overview of the area and its war-happy nations. The most revealing thing is that whatever's been happening in the region in the past 20-odd years is absolutely nothing new - just the latest episode of old, unresolved issues. Alas, neither the Hapsburg nor the Ottoman Empire are around to blame anymore.

Quite recommended.

Igor