Balancing in the Balkans [Hardcover]

Prof. Raymond Tanter (Author), John Psarouthakis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 031221457X | ISBN-13: 978-0312214579 | Publication Date: August 21, 1999

Balancing in the Balkans treats the Balkans as a laboratory for exploring ideas about globalism--the creation of transnational economic communities from capital flows across political boundaries, and tribalism--the disintegration of nations into ethnic factions based upon ancient hatreds. In their book, Raymond Tanter and John Psarouthakis debate the best way to achieve "balance" and how parties in conflict can learn moderation and peaceful coexistence. Because Tanter thinks the world is Americanized, he argues that moderation from the Midwestern United States might become an export commodity. But Psarouthakis believes that America is unique in time and place and there is little market for its moderation in a world of parochial hatreds such as the Balkans, where there is a race for the extremes. At issue between the authors is whether it is possible to give leaders in Balkan conflicts incentives to move toward moderation.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In a world of globalization, where the pursuit of profit and enlightened self-interest should prevail, what drives people to engage in brutal, self-destructive actions such as the war in Bosnia and the recent Kosovo conflict? Authors Tanter (Univ. of Michigan; Rogue Regimes) and Psarouthakis (chair of the Paideia Foundation) are sensitive to the deep ethnic and political divisions in the former Yugoslavia. While Tanter argues that the forces of moderation can prevail, Psarouthakis warns that the Balkan political mentality gravitates toward the extreme. Balance in the Balkans requires both long-term internal moderation and external intervention, with commerce replacing coercion. The recent launching of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe demonstrates how the West banks on moderation's triumph in the Balkans. Despite the currency of the argument, this work has already been substantially outdated by Operation Allied Force and the arrival of KFOR and UNMIK in shattered Kosovo. Readers looking for background will find content that is useful but thin for a relatively hefty price.ARay Walser, U.S. Dept. of State, Washington, DC
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Raymond Tanter is Professor of Political Science at the University of Michigan and author of Rogue Regimes.

John Psarouthakis is Chairman of the Board of the Paideia Foundation in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (August 21, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031221457X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312214579
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,949,269 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent and Timely in-depth analysis of Balkans history, May 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Balancing in the Balkans (Hardcover)

Balancing in the Balkans provides an in-depth analysis into the different factors surrounding recent historical events in the Balkans. It serves as brilliant source material for the area as well as for political science theories like coerceive diplomacy, et al. Especially timely considering recent occurrences in the area. Reccomended for anyone interested in current events and international relations.