On U.S. Foreign Policy in the Balkans in the 1990s: Spotlight on Croatia |
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Authors: | Marisa R Lino |
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Institution: | (1) Bologna Center, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, Bologna, Italy |
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Abstract: | In the 1990s, despite a change of administrations, U.S. policy towards the Balkans remained consistent. Post-Gulf War, the
United States urged Europe to take the lead, but ultimately humanitarian considerations forced the United States to take an
active, military role. Within the U.S. government, a struggle between ``incrementalism' and a longer-term ``visionary approach'
characterized internal debate. Incrementalism ultimately prevailed. The framework for U.S. policy decisions, especially in
the early 1990s, led the United States to active involvement, including a lack of consensus in the United Nations on the use
of force. Events, culminating in the ``Washington Agreement', led Croatia to seeing that its interests coincided with those
of Bosnian Croats and Muslims. Only later did Croatian and U.S. interests diverge. Since Dayton, U.S. focus in Croatia has
been on democratization, human rights, and the implementation of the accords. As U.S. Balkan policy evolved, seeing a stable
European future for the region became a fundamental security interest of the United States. The Balkan Wars contributed significantly
to changing perceptions of the transatlantic relationship and of the U.S. global role. |
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Keywords: | Balkans Croatia U S foreign policy incrementalism post-Cold War |
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