The Bosnian War from 1992-1995 was caused by deep-seated ethnic tensions and nationalism that increased over centuries as the populations of Bosnia and Herzegovina identified themselves more strongly as Bosniaks, Serbs, or Croats. Centuries of resistance to foreign rule and the oppression of some groups by others led to mistrust between ethnicities. The end of communism in Yugoslavia allowed these ethnic identities to flourish, but also unleashed ethnic hatred. Fighting broke out over territorial disputes, and accusations of ethnic cleansing and genocide occurred before NATO intervened and a peace agreement was signed. Over 100,000 people were killed in the war and 1.8 million displaced.

1. ContentBackgroundCauses of Bosnian War (1991 – 1995)Compare With SingaporeLook up the Problem faced by Singapore

2. BackgroundThere was an international armed conflict took place in Bosnia during 1992 – 1995.Several sides were involved NATO intervened following the Srebrenica and Markale massacresAround 100,000–110,000being killed and 1.8 million displaced in the warThe war lead to breakup of former YugoslaviaThe war was ended by signing of the Dayton Agreement ( Dayton Peace Record on Bosnia, US Department of State. 1996)

3. Causes of Bosnian WarOverview:Bosnia and Herzegovina has historically been a multi-ethnic state. In 1990, its population included approximately 43% of Bosniaks (Bosnia Muslims), 31% of Serbs, and 17% of Croats.The war was caused by deep-seated ethnic conflict, nationalism, demagoguery and economic crisis. These causes are interrelated. As the centuries passed, resistance to domination by foreign empires and mistrust between different ethnic groups increased. (CASE CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THEPREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE, INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 2007)

5. Cont Causes of Bosnian WarPre-War SituationThe first multi-party election is significant to show the disunity of the country as power are distribute among different ethnic groups.Both Croats and Serbs were ambitious to occupy more land.Establishment of the "Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia“ and "Serb Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina"(International Law Reports, ElihuLauterpacht,C. J. Greenwood 1997)

6. Cont Causes of Bosnian WarDuring World War IIGermany and Italy divided Yugoslavia among themselves in 1941, alliances within the nation shattered along ethnic lines.Mistrust and tension among different ethnic raise up(Eastern Europe: an introduction to the people, lands, and culture ..., Richard C. Frucht 2005)

7. Communist In Yugoslavia Tito disapproved of religion because he thought it divided people, but he did not severely punish those who were determined to practice their faith, although those who were determined to do so were relatively few. (War-Torn Bosnia from History Firsthand. ©2001-2006 )Ethnic Pride, Ethnic Hatred When Communism ended in Yugoslavia, the various ethnic groups living in the country enjoyed sudden freedom.His policy on religion restricted different ethnic groups to understand each others’ culture(Eastern Europe: an introduction to the people, lands, and culture ..., Richard C. Frucht 2005)

8. The War According to Serbs Serbs claims that the Serbian people have been victimized throughout history. (A Serb correspondent, MirjanaKameretzy)The War According to Croats Croats who lived in Bosnia feared that the newly independent state of Bosnia—which was dominated by Muslims—posed a threat to them. (Origins of a Catastrophe, Warren Zimmermann 1992)The War According to Muslims Even when the international community failed to intervene on Bosnia's behalf, Bosnian Muslims continued to fight for their homeland. (Peter Maass, an American foreign correspondent )

10. EvidenceEthnic CleansingCrime of Genocide(CASE CONCERNING THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THEPREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE, INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE 2007)