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Sabrina
P. Ramet (2002).
Balkan Babel: The Disintegration of
Yugoslavia from the Death of Tito to
the Fall of Milošević
Fourth Edition
Boulder,
Westview Press.,
ISBN 0-8133-3987-1
(HC) ISBN 0-8133-3905-7 (Pbk.)
Balkan Babel speaks to the important issues associated with
the eroding legitimacy of the former Yugoslavia and chronicles
the disintegration of an increasingly fragmented federation
after the death of Marshal Tito. Balkan Babel also speaks
volumes about the credibility of the author and her unique
ability to synthesise a huge array of information and bring
it together into a singular conceptual overview. The fact
that this book is in its fourth edition demonstrates the
lasting contribution of one of the leading scholars in the
field to the debate over why.
The
conceptual framework Ramet employs is the question of legitimacy
and political institutions. In the specific case of the
former Yugoslavia, the descent towards crisis and ultimately
disintegration was fuelled by an illegitimate government
and a panoply of policies associated with 'system illegitimacy',
such as economic deterioration, escalating polemics, and
irreconcilable ambitions of certain unscrupulous politicians.
Rather than outlining what a legitimate system of government
is, Ramet demonstrates what was illegitimate about the former
Yugoslavia, and how its institutions became increasingly
dysfunctional and even conducive to chaos and violence.
Ramet also dismisses the notion that Yugoslavia's demise
was caused by ancient ethnic or tribal hatreds, but, rather,
views the country as being beset by perennial crisis that
was a symptom of systemic illegitimacy revolving around
the question of the federation, economy, pluralism, and
breakdown of the sense of community or shared values.
Balkan
Babel is divided into four parts dealing with the origins,
course, and consequences of the disintegration of the former
Yugoslavia. Ramet sets the period between 1980 and 1991
against a backdrop of incessant political debates between
the ruling elites from the various republics, most notably
Serbia, Slovenia, and Croatia, and their ensuing visions
of the future transformation of Yugoslavia, democracy, and
market economy. The political debates over the future of
Yugoslavia and its potential for transformation reflect
an imminent crisis and disunity. Ramet points out the divergent
political aspirations of the major national groups and elites.
It is noteworthy that Ciril Ribieie and Zdravko Tomac co-authored
a book in which they argued for the 'de-etatization' of
the economy and strengthening of certain features of the
federation to create the conditions for the development
of a modern market economy. Ramet also notes that as early
as 1989, proposals were presented for the secession of Slovenia
and Croatia and their association in a new confederal state,
which led to discussions of an 'asymmetrical federation'.
The
rise of Slobodan Miloševia and his consolidation of power
in Serbia are well documented in Balkan Babel. Ramet reminds
us that Ivan Stambolia had set the agenda when he rallied
behind the slogan that "a unified and strong Serbia"
was a prerequisite for a strong Yugoslavia. Miloševia picked
up on this to focus on the powers of the central government,
purging critics and opponents. He also appealed to Serbian
pride and nationalism while launching his "anti-bureaucratic
revolution." In his nationalistic revival, Miloševia
rallied support in the most diverse quarters, including
the Orthodox Church, reconstructed Marxists around the Praxis
group, and the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts.
In discussing
the erosion of legitimacy and crisis, Ramet takes a deeper
look into the role of the three main religious groups: Catholicism,
Orthodoxy, and Islam. The rock music scene provides a further
level of critique, as it displays a growing disenchantment
with the system beyond the normal boundaries associated
with alternative bands and the underground music scene.
This includes a deeper critique of prevailing social and
economic conditions to more arcane interpretations of identity
and difference (or Otherness). Here, Ramet is exceptionally
clear about the role of religious leaders in producing discourses
of grievance, and charges them with a lack of foresight
and understanding regarding the role religion has on a society
in the process of disintegration. Of course, all three religions
had opposed Communist rule, but they were unable to provide
alternative structures beyond faith, and often influenced
- indirectly and directly - emerging political structures.
The
structural weakness of the former Yugoslavia was the tension
between Serbia and Croatia, and Ramet's discussion of the
competing histories and visions of the future demonstrate
aptly the level of acrimony that existed. Indeed, it was
so high that the 'tinder box' known as former Yugoslavia
ignited into the first large-scale war on the European continent
since the end of World War II. Ramet also discusses the
politics of Slovenia and Macedonia, and the problem of Bosnia
and Herzegovina in the wake of the collapse of Yugoslavia.
Although Ramet's critical analysis exculpates no individual
leader, group, or community, it is clear from the study
that the axis of tension lay with Belgrade and Slobodan
Miloševia. This leads to a discussion of the repercussions
of the war and the road to Dayton, which ended the protracted
conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, despite the
Dayton peace accords, Ramet does not end on a positive note,
because the rump Yugoslavia remains in the process of dissolution,
and there is an unending crisis in Serbia and conflict in
Kosovo. Here we are confronted with the sources and consequences
of instability that affect not only Serbia, but also the
region at large.
The
title of Ramet's book is emblematic. Drawing on an allegorical
allusion to the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, Ramet
notes that within the space of the former Yugoslavia, prior
to the creation of the state, the people enjoyed largely
friendly and co-operative relations over a period of time.
The creation of a common south Slavic state bears resemblance
to the biblical story in the sense that the story of two
failed Yugoslavias is a story of the failure of co-operative
action. At the end of the period, the peoples feel "wounded,"
all with their disparate grievances and incomprehensible
discourses. Indeed, the south Slavic discourses seem to
speak over rather than to or with each other. There is a
certain misunderstanding as to why Yugoslavia failed twice
during the twentieth century, and this failure on the part
of the diplomatic community and scholars alike reflects
a poverty of serious policy and academic discussion of the
inherent and structural weaknesses that plagued the development
of Yugoslavia and left lasting marks on the memories of
its peoples.
Balkan
Babel has passed the test of time, and is as relevant now
to understanding the disintegration of Yugoslavia as when
it first appeared. This relevance reflects the depth of
Ramet's understanding of the complex logic involved in the
creation, development, and dissolution of the former Yugoslavia,
and her normative matrix that posited questions of legitimacy
with illegitimate forms of political and economic association.
Students, scholars, and practitioners of international affairs,
particularly of the former Yugoslavia, will benefit enormously
by Ramet's rich chronology and analysis.
Marijan
Gubić