Original scientific paper
Postmodern Theory-Driven Methodologies, Franjo Tuđman, the Yugoslav Wars of Succession, and History
James J. SADKOVICH
; Leiden, Nizozemska
Abstract
This essay argues that theory-driven methodologies in general, and
postmodernist approaches in particular, have distorted our view of current
history and should be used with great care in assessing the wars of the
Yugoslav succession and the role played in them by Franjo Tuđman.
Of the hundreds of works on the wars of the Yugoslav succession,
relatively few are detached. Most are theory-driven or purposeful, written
to illustrate or persuade rather than to explain. Many are also poorly
informed, because prior to 1991 few in the West had more than a
rudimentary grasp of the region’s history. Those who did know something
of Yugoslavia relied heavily on the historiography of the Communist era,
which was considerably distorted. Consequently, during the wars most
observers used information culled from diplomats, local politicians, and the
published works available in English, French, and German, and they wrote
current history or they applied theories, writing against deadline or for a
specific purpose.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
66382
URI
Publication date:
10.12.2008.
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