This monograph examines the role of the paramilitary groups in the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and their effects on the peace process. It offers lessons to political and military leaders considering involvement in conflicts characterized by complex environments, multiple actors, and multiple, changing objectives. It looks at a selection of the paramilitary groups operating in Croatia and Bosnia from 1991-1995 and speculates if their political, economic, or altruistic motives for fighting exacerbated the violence and hindered a peaceful resolution to the conflicts. It examines the contention that state leaders were not able to come to a political agreement on the future of Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia because too many other actors were involved in the conflict who were willing to fight for their own objectives. It is inconclusive whether the involvement of paramilitaries delayed a civil, non-violent break-up of the country. Certainly, by their very participation in the fighting, they contributed to the violence. It is probable that paramilitaries that fought for political objectives that differed from those of the political leaders complicated the peace process since they made it difficult for negotiators to find a solution that satisfied all sides and sought to undermine the political leadership that had to negotiate peace terms. Additionally, paramilitary groups that took advantage of the break down in law and order to turn a profit on the conflicts by stealing from aid convoys, looting stores and homes, holding people for ransom, or other activities exacerbated the situation on the ground but did not directly affect the peace negotiations. It is also likely that the paramilitaries that fought for religious ideals or personal causes did not purposefully hinder the peace process to pursue their goals. By their participation in hostilities, they helped sustain the war like fuel to a fire. The purpose of examining the role paramilitary groups played in the resolution to the wars in Yugoslavia is to provide leaders with insights into the motivations that sub-national groups play in wars and their contribution to the narrative of those wars and their final resolutions. As the conflicts in Yugoslavia have demonstrated, paramilitary groups will often support one side or another while pursuing ulterior objectives. Before making a decision to support one group over another, it is important for leaders to understand the operational environment, the relationships different groups have with each other and their motivations for fighting, and possible second and third order consequences of aligning with one or more groups to a multi-player fight.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. The opinions and conclusions expressed herein are those of the student-authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College or any other governmental agency. (References to these studies should include the foregoing statement.)