Nationalism and ethnic conflict in southern Balkans

Abstract

The main objective of this thesis is to investigate nationalism as the main source of instability and ethnic conflict in the sub-region of Southern Balkans -Albania, Bulgaria, Greece and Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). It starts with a brief history of the Balkan Peninsula and the birth of nationalism in the region during the 19th century with the Wars for Independence from the Ottoman Empire. Then, it discusses the current developments in the area and the rebirth of nationalism after the end of the Cold War. Next, it discusses two proposed solutions, which are a) To support the status quo (Multi-Ethnic States) and b) To redraw the borders (Creation of Nation-States) in order to reduce nationalism and ethnic conflict in the Balkans, There are two proposed solutions that can reduce nationalism and provide stability and accordingly economic and democratic development in the area. Finally, it examines the role of some other interrelated factors, like the Euro-Atlantic institutions -EU and NATO- and the international institution -the UN- as well as the role of Greece, which can help in developing stability in the Southern Balkans.