U.S. and Bosnia: Too Late, Wrong War

Publication Date: July 1992

Publisher: Heritage Foundation (Washington, D.C.)

Author(s): Doug Seay

Research Area: Government

Keywords: Europe

Type: Report

Abstract:

The conflict in Bosnia is a tragedy. It has also exposed the unreadiness of the U.S. and the West to respond to the realities of the post-Cold War world. For the U.S., the correct response to the carnage in Yugoslavia is not to rush to “do something,” heedless of the outcome, and uncertain of the goals. Rather, the U.S. should proceed deliberately, with a clear understanding of its global interests in this new era now taking shape. The situation in Bosnia, as with events elsewhere, should be approached from the perspective of how best to advance those interests. Hurrying into Bosnia may do little to help the population there, but it runs the risk of involving the U.S. in a conflict for which no solution, and thus no exit, is known.