The Conflict

The disintegration of Yugoslavia, a multiethnic, multi-religious state held together under centralized communist rule, brought about a resurgence of nationalist tensions that culminated in a series of civil wars in the 1990s, and a leadership that seemed to flourish on conflict. The president of Yugoslavia, Slobodan Milosevic, appeared well-entrenched in his leadership when a newly cooperative opposition challenged him in a round of elections.

Political

• Because of political infighting and personal animosities, those who opposed the leadership of Slobodan Milosevic had a difficult time forming a coalition to oust him at the polls.
• As elections approached in 2000, the opposition came together in an effort to oust Milosevic, supporting candidate Vojislav Kostunica to run against the long-time leader.
• Milosevic controlled much of the nation's media. DespiteMilosevic's advantages, the opposition made great gains and...