Description

The Real Reasons for War in Yugoslavia: Backing Up Globalization with Military Might

Karen Talbot emphasizes economic reasons for the breakup of Yugoslavia in the early 1990s and the NATO bombing of Kosovo in 1999. She argues that Yugoslavia committed the unpardonable sin of putting the brakes on market reforms imposed by the IMF and World Bank including the drive to privatize all pubic enterprises. Talbot details the mineral and oil wealth of Bosnia, Serbia, and Kosovo, as well as the current and proposed transhipment of oil and gas from the Caspian Sea region through the Balkans to Europe. President Clinton is quoted as saying, “If we’re going to have a strong economic relationship that includes our ability to sell around the world, Europe has got to be a key…. That’s what this Kosovo thing is all about.” Talbot argues that the push to expand the role of NATO eastward is both political and economic.

war and peace, military and defense issues, United States — foreign relations — Yugoslavia; Kosovo [Serbia] — civil war — 1998-1999; Kosovo — Kosovo Liberation Front; Yugoslavia — economic conditions; United States — military policy; oil industries — Caspian Sea; Caucasus

Citation: Social Justice Vol. 27, No. 4 (2000): 94-116