The Consequences of the War in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992 – 1995)

Abstract

This research explores the consequences of the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992–1995), focusing on the religious, political, and geopolitical dimensions of the conflict and its deep impact on Muslims in the Balkans. Researcher Diana Fares Mohammed concludes that the weakening of the Ottoman Empire significantly contributed to the decline of Muslim power in the region, which enabled Serbia to exploit religious narratives to justify its ethnic cleansing policies. The study highlights the strategic importance of the Balkans, making it a target for competing global powers. The war's brutality, marked by mass killings and genocide, triggered strong reactions across the Islamic world. Although the 1995 Dayton Agreement ended the hostilities, it entrenched ethnic divisions and undermined prospects for lasting democratic unity. The study ultimately shows that the war reflected both international rivalry and internal Yugoslav struggles, with the greatest cost borne by the civilian population—especially Muslims—who suffered displacement, violence, and systemic persecution