The Collapse of Yugoslavia

1991-99

By: Alastair Finlan

Narrated by: Ric Jerrom

Bloomsbury presents The Collapse of Yugoslavia by Alastair Finlan, read by Ric Jerrom.

An accessible introduction to the brutal conflict in the former Yugoslavia, one of the greatest yet least understood tragedies of the 20th century.

In 1991, an ethnically diverse and peaceful region of Europe descended into violence, lawlessness, bitter hatred and chaos, almost overnight to the bewilderment of international observers. Communities fractured along lines of ethnic and religious affiliation, and the ensuing fighting was deeply personal, resulting in horrific brutality, rape, torture and genocide, causing the deaths of thousands of people. Drawing on the latest research for this new edition, Alastair Finlan examines the internal upheavals of the former Yugoslavia and their international implications, including the failure of the Vance-Owen plan; the first use of NATO in a combat role and in peace enforcement; and the war in Kosovo, unsanctioned by the UN but prosecuted by NATO forces to prevent the ethnic cleansing of the region.

Updated and revised, this is a concise overview of the tragic conflict in former Yugoslavia and its significant consequences.©2022 Alastair Finlan (P)2022 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Good overview of various parties involoved

Good data points about the war in the Balkans and some reasons why things unfolded as they did.
B2 mistake on Chinese Embassy was glossed over…not a mistake…told to quit transmitting for Serbians and told when their tower would be taken out…just China being softly handled so they weren’t implicated on their support during the war for Serbia.

Can’t stay on Point

This is a very dry, bullet point like reading of the Yugoslavia catastrophe in the 1990’s. Not much enlightening information is gained, but all the key players are given mention. It’s a quick listen and Ric Jarron is an exceptional narrator.

However, as with so many of these books, they all manage to sneak in at least one Trump reference. It’s always totally out of place and completely unnecessary. And it never fits with the topic, which here is Yugoslavia in the 1990’s. It’s these bizarre references to something so unrelated to the book that ruin what could have been a very compelling listen. But no harm no foul. And will keep trying.

Overall not too recommendable

Boringly narrated. Too moralistic rather than history. Is there any need to talk about what happened on Jan. 6 at the US Capitol? Where's the relation to Yugoslavia!? You totally forgot to mention the suicide in the court room by one those persecuted in the war? Not a bad overall history lesson but not captivating to listen to.