Preliminary communication
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.33.3.05
The Sentiments of Croatian Homeland War Veterans Towards Wartime Comrades, Families, and Society in General, 30 Years After the War
Igor Mikloušić
; Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Sandra Šućurović
; Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The reintegration of veterans into civil society after military
experience presents a challenge for individuals and governments
alike, with social ties and institutional support being
key factors in facilitating this transition. To gain insight into
how the Croatian Homeland War veterans coped with these
challenges 30 years after the war, we conducted semi-
-structured focus groups (N = 17). We explored how connected
they feel to the different segments of society, such as
their families, comrades, other Homeland War participants,
and other citizens of Croatia and Europe, and the quality of
communication with relevant institutions and decision-
-makers. The findings attest to lasting feelings of cohesion
among veterans who have shared their warpath and experiences,
the importance of veteran organisations, and the
supportive effect of their families. Corrupt policies, resulting
in a hyperinflated number of declared veterans who haven't
been subject to wartime experiences, hinder a broader connection
between veterans. The institutions mainly provide
adequate support.
Keywords
Croatia; Homeland War; veterans; cohesion; focus group
Hrčak ID:
322301
URI
Publication date:
12.11.2024.
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