Allison Thomson
Abstract: This piece reviews the late 20th century dissolution of Yugoslavia and conflicts throughout the region by analyzing the annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1908 by Austria-Hungary. This conflict marked the beginning of an extended period of tense relations between Yugoslavian states and the Great Powers (Germany, Russia, Italy, Great Britain and France) that aligned with them. The paper examines the legitimacy behind Austria-Hungary’s claims of legality in the annexation; citing passages from the Treaty of Berlin. Finally, the article presents the likely basis for the annexation in the first place, such as fear on Austria-Hungary’s part of a unified Slavic empire or desire to end Serbian expansionism. Ultimately, the piece reviews the influence of the Great Powers throughout the region, allowing the reader insight into the origins of the tensions occurring today.
Keywords: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Annexation, Slavic, Dissolution, Yugoslavia
