ABSTRACT
It can never be said often enough (so I shall say it at once) that events in the Balkans, including the war we are discussing, must always be viewed in the context of the broad historical processes occurring in Europe. The powerful effect of the terrible events which have happened in the Balkans leads many to think that the Balkans are special: things happen there which could not happen elsewhere in Europe. I do not think that is the case; I believe we are dealing with a global historical development which has characterized Europe over the past two centuries.
