Balkan Confederation

[Phædrus]

I don't know why no one's thought of this, or if they have why there hasn't been any discussion on it, but it seems logical to me. So, the Eastern Europeans, all the various Slavic groups, Serbs, Albanians, Croats, etc, are all relatively culturally similar. Not identical, by any means, but they share several common threads. However, they make such a big deal of the differences they do have that they massacre each other, split off, form new countries every few months; it's all a mess. But they're still essentially similar. So why don't they form a confederation?

Divide the Balkans into states along both new and existing lines. Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, all the Balkan countries. Give them a main governing document and a great deal of autonomy. Let them decide local laws and such, but have a central constitution or something laying out the role of the central government and the rights of the people and states; like the US, in form if not in substance. Change it to reflect local views. But this would prevent (or at least hinder) wars, provide for greater economic growth, allow them to unite against an external force, all kinds of benefits. I don't know much about Balkan geography, but maybe put the capital in Sarajevo or Belgrade or someplace like that, maybe Zagreb.

Countries can overcome ethnic and cultural differences. Switzerland has five distinct cultures within its borders. Canada is mostly British, but French Quebec does fine, with naught but some grumbling. Scotland has gotten along with England for about two hundred years now, despite a completely different culture. The Flems and Wallonians in Belgium are having problems, but they don't go on ethnic cleansing sprees every decade or two.

It seems to me this Confederation idea would bypass a lot of the problems the Balkans are currently facing. What do y'all think?

[Mono Tejano]

Sounds an aweful lot like the former Yugoslavia.

and 'aweful' is the key word there.

the cultural differences are greater than you may think.

there's a great book on the subject that I highly recommend: "Balkan Ghosts", can't remember the author, but it was a great read.

geographically, the region is VERY diverse. Several mountain ranges divide the region into 'pockets'. Each sub-region has its own unique climate, flora, fauna and so on, and the differences only grow when you throw in culture.

Also the history of the region, throws in another dimention to the issue. Christian and Muslim, Slav, Greek, Hungarian and more. Ethnicity, culture, language, religion.

The reasons for divergence among these various cultures/countries couldn't be much more diverse.

In theory, you idea is a good one, but I'm afraid it would be doomed to failure.

The Serbs don't want to give up Kosovo (and have a very legitimate arguement) but the Albanians have a valid claim to it as well. Greeks would like to regain control of Macedonia, but the Macedonians have a perfectly valid claim to full autonomy. Hungary would love to regain control of its 'homeland' and so would Bulgaria, Romania and all the rest.

[AmusedToDeath]

Sounds an aweful lot like the former Yugoslavia.

and 'aweful' is the key word there.

the cultural differences are greater than you may think.

there's a great book on the subject that I highly recommend: "Balkan Ghosts", can't remember the author, but it was a great read.

geographically, the region is VERY diverse. Several mountain ranges divide the region into 'pockets'. Each sub-region has its own unique climate, flora, fauna and so on, and the differences only grow when you throw in culture.

Also the history of the region, throws in another dimention to the issue. Christian and Muslim, Slav, Greek, Hungarian and more. Ethnicity, culture, language, religion.

The reasons for divergence among these various cultures/countries couldn't be much more diverse.

In theory, you idea is a good one, but I'm afraid it would be doomed to failure.

The Serbs don't want to give up Kosovo (and have a very legitimate arguement) but the Albanians have a valid claim to it as well. Greeks would like to regain control of Macedonia, but the Macedonians have a perfectly valid claim to full autonomy. Hungary would love to regain control of its 'homeland' and so would Bulgaria, Romania and all the rest.

Excellent explanation!

However, I have to make a few corrections.

all the various Slavic groups, Serbs, Albanians, Croats, Albanians are not Slavs. They consider themselves to be the descendants of Illirians or Thracians. Perhaps, to some extent. However, the Ottoman influence on Albanians during the 5 century occupation was great. Huge majority of Albanians adopted Islam and Turkish culture and mixed up with the Turks.

Greeks would like to regain control of Macedonia, but the Macedonians have a perfectly valid claim to full autonomy. Macedonia is totally independent. I don't understand the "full autonomy" part...

[Phædrus]

So the Serbs are angry at the Albanians because they're Muslim and have started living in a historically important part of Serbia? So the fuck what?

I'm serious. Who fucking cares if they're Muslim and come from a different part of the Balkans. Who cares? I count among my friends whites, blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and a Canadian. We all get along fine. But god forbid--god forbid!--if people with the same skin color, who live in the country next door, who speak a similar language, and are essentially similar in all ways but religion (and that's still an Abrahmic religion!) and were given refuge in our country start living here for good.

Who the fuck cares? Yeah, I can see where you're coming from with the whole independence thing, but hell, I wouldn't be rioting in the streets if Massachussetts declared independence.

Us Americans have gotten over our differences, or are at least trying. It's about time the Balkans grew up and got over their squabbles.