In the third Conflict, Violence and Development Seminar this term, Charles Crawford looks at the existential uncertainty surrounding Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo’s statehood and addresses questions such as: When states collapse and new smaller states emerge, what works and why? If modern Europe can’t manage these problems easily, can anywhere else do better?
The violent disintegration of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia has led to seven new states appearing on the map of Europe. Six of them, namely Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia are fully recognised members of the United Nations. Kosovo is recognised by 105 UN member states but not by China, Russia, India and many others.
Why did the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia disintegrate? Can membership of the European Union allow all these states to live normally? What core principles of international law and policy are at stake?
About the Speaker:
Charles Crawford is a writer, public speaking specialist and mediator. His career in HM Diplomatic Service featured postings in communist Yugoslavia, South Africa as apartheid ended and Russia after the USSR collapsed, then three ambassadorships: in Sarajevo after the conflict (1996-98); in Belgrade after the fall of Milosevic (2001-03); and in Warsaw when Poland joined the European Union (2003-07). He was awarded the CMG in 1998 for his work in post-conflict reconciliation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Charles Crawford also served as FCO Speechwriter in the 1980s. He has drafted and contributed to speeches by members of the Royal Family, Prime Ministers and different Ministers and other senior figures.
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