International Relations Theory: Examination of Ethnic Conflict Within Former Yugoslavia, 1918-1991

Abstract

This is an examination of the relationship between the multiple ethnic groups within the former Yugoslavia leading up to the Yugoslav Civil Wars that began in 1991. Furthermore, international relations theory will be applied to specific events in the region's history to provide a better understanding to how and why a violent outbreak in ethnic genocide broke out in 1991. This analysis will prove that Constructivist theory can best explain ethnic conflict because of its emphasis on the individual and the importance of the human relationships.