Discuss the reasons for the emergence of conflict in the Balkans in the 1990s.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for the emergence of conflict in the Balkans in the 1990s. Candidates may refer to the political fragmentations that occurred in the breakdown of Yugoslavia with certain regions desiring more political autonomy. Candidates may refer to the identity politics that emerged and contributed to extreme nationalism. Also, religion was arguably a significant factor particularly in the Bosnian and Kosovo Wars. Candidates may discuss the short-term issues such as the declaration of independence by Croatia and Slovenia that sparked a reaction by Serbia which initiated the Ten-Day War in 1991. Candidates may refer to the refusal of the Central Serbian authorities led by Milosevic to grant autonomy. Candidates may refer to long standing economic decline as a reason for the emergence of the conflict. While other relevant factors, may be referred to, the bulk of the response will remain on the issue raised in the question.