Bosnia: A Short History

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The years 1992 and 1993 mark the destruction of a unique country with a rich political and cultural history in Europe, where empires and religions converged: Rome, Charlemagne, the Ottomans, and the Austro-Hungarians, alongside Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Judaism, and Islam. This complex past has been overshadowed by violence and war, often misrepresented by ignorance and misinformation. In this comprehensive history, Balkan specialist Noel Malcolm chronicles the country from its origins to its tragic demise. The narrative dispels numerous myths surrounding Bosnia's racial, religious, and political history, particularly challenging the notion that the war stemmed from "ancient ethnic hatreds." Instead, it reveals that Bosnia's destruction was driven by external factors, primarily the political maneuvers of Serbian leadership and the misguided interventions of Western politicians. Malcolm effectively debunks historical fallacies that have influenced media portrayals and the actions of Western diplomats. This work not only contextualizes the Bosnian war but also honors the intricate history of a nation whose past—and future—has been nearly obliterated.