Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 95 No. 5, 2025.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.53745/bs.95.5.5
Lessons from the Past, Conflicts, Resilience and Recovery of Veterans: A Case Study from Croatia
Mario Bara
orcid.org/0000-0002-9964-7802
; Sveučilišni odjel za sociologiju Hrvatskoga katoličkog sveučilišta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Miriam Mary Brgles
orcid.org/0000-0001-5786-393X
; Sveučilišni odjel za sociologiju Hrvatskoga katoličkog sveučilišta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Karla Žagi
orcid.org/0000-0002-0545-2933
; Sveučilišni odjel za sociologiju Hrvatskoga katoličkog sveučilišta, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Sažetak
This research was conducted with Croatian Homeland War veterans to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of their resilience during the war and their recovery in the post-war period, with particular emphasis on the role of institutions and veterans’ associations, as well as the reintegration of the Croatian Danube region, where many veterans reside. Using in-depth interviews and focus groups with veterans and institutional representatives, this study examines how individuals and institutions responded to the risks and societal challenges generated by the war. Drawing on Ulrich Beck’s theoretical framework of the risk society, the study situates the Homeland War within the broader processes of modernization and the sociological construction of risk. The key findings show that veterans developed resilience through mechanisms such as a desire for life, humor, faith, and purpose-driven action. Institutional responses, particularly by the Ministry of Croatian Veterans, evolved over time, shifting from basic care provision to more nuanced psychosocial and reintegration programs, with veterans’ associations playing a crucial role. The research highlights the duality of veterans’ post-war experiences: while many express pride and satisfaction in their contributions, they also struggle with stigmatization and mental health challenges. The study underscores the heterogeneity of the veteran population and the need for interdisciplinary, participatory approaches in shaping public policies that recognize veterans not as passive recipients of aid but as active agents in societal development. These findings contribute to veteran studies by emphasizing the importance of resilience, recognition, and inclusive governance in post-conflict recovery.
Ključne riječi
veterans; Croatian Homeland War; resilience; recovery; social conflicts; risk
Hrčak ID:
346363
URI
Datum izdavanja:
16.4.2026.
Posjeta: 516 *