Understanding Croatia


Book Description

"Božo Skoko has written a book that only a Croat could write, but one that everyone interested in Croatia today should read. He is searingly honest, while determinedly fair-minded, about what is right and wrong in this young state with such unfulfilled potential. He describes what is unique, and often maliciously distorted, in Croatia's historic identity. He examines what is self-destructive and difficult, though also lovable and admirable, in the outlook of its people. Not least, he exposes what is deplorable and inexcusable about the failure of the governing elite to live up to their responsibilities. I hope it may make some of them lose sleep, but I wouldn't bet on it."Robin Harris, author and historian




Introduction to Croatia


Book Description

Croatia is a country in southeastern Europe, bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the northeast, Serbia to the east, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the southeast, Montenegro to the southeast, and the Adriatic Sea to the southwest. The country is also known as Hrvatska in Croatian, and its capital and largest city is Zagreb. Croatia has a population of approximately 4.05 million people, with the majority of residents identifying as ethnic Croats. Croatia has a rich cultural history that dates back to prehistoric times. Its strategic location between Central Europe and the Mediterranean has made it an important crossroads for various civilizations, including the Illyrians, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans, and Austro-Hungarians. Croatia gained its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and has since become a member of the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations. The country is known for its stunning coastline, beautiful national parks, and rich culinary traditions, and it has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years.




The complete travel guide for Croatia


Book Description

At YouGuide™, we are dedicated to bringing you the finest travel guides on the market, meticulously crafted for every type of traveler. Our guides serve as your ultimate companions, helping you make the most of your journeys around the world. Our team of dedicated experts works tirelessly to create comprehensive, up-todate, and captivating travel guides. Each guide is a treasure trove of essential information, insider insights, and captivating visuals. We go beyond the tourist trail, uncovering hidden treasures and sharing local wisdom that transforms your travels into extraordinary adventures. Countries change, and so do our guides. We take pride in delivering the most current information, ensuring your journey is a success. Whether you're an intrepid solo traveler, an adventurous couple, or a family eager for new horizons, our guides are your trusted companions to every country. For more travel guides and information, please visit www.youguide.com




Unravelling Croatia's hidden treasures


Book Description

Unraveling Croatia’s Hidden Treasures: Incognito Explorers Series Embark on an unforgettable journey with Unraveling Croatia’s Hidden Secrets-Croatia travel guide 2024, your ultimate companion to exploring the hidden gems of Croatia. This comprehensive guidebook is designed for those who seek to uncover the true essence of Croatia, blending the charm of ancient history with the allure of modern adventures. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or planning your first visit, this Croatia travel guide offers insightful tips and detailed information to make your trip memorable. Dive into the rich tapestry of Croatian culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes, all meticulously covered in this guide. Why this book? Discover why this guidebook stands out among other Croatia travel guide 2024 books. Offering up-to-date information, it ensures that you have the latest recommendations for the best experiences in Croatia 2024. As part of the broader collection of Croatian books, this guide is meticulously researched, providing you with deep insights into the country's rich history and vibrant present. Explore Europe with one of the best Europe travel books 2024, focusing specifically on Croatia's unique destinations. Whether you're delving into travel books Europe for the first time or adding to your collection, this travel guide Croatia is an essential resource for any explorer. Destinations Covered: Explore the historical significance, local culture, and must-see landmarks of Croatia’s most captivating destinations: 1. Trogir: Wander through the well-preserved medieval town, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in local traditions. 2. Dubrovnik: Walk the ancient city walls, savor the culinary delights, and participate in vibrant festivals. 3. Zadar: Experience modern attractions like the Sea Organ, explore historical landmarks, and enjoy outdoor activities. 4. Hvar: Revel in the nightlife, relax on pristine beaches, and stroll through aromatic lavender fields. 5. Pučišća: Discover the charm of this small town known for its stone masonry and cultural heritage. 6. Labin: Explore the artistic old town, enjoy local festivals, and taste Istrian delicacies. 7. Cavtat: Delight in the serene beauty, visit historical sites, and participate in local traditions. 8. Rovinj: Stroll through the romantic old town, savor exquisite truffles and wines, and explore hidden gems. 9. Skradin: Enjoy the natural beauty of nearby Krka National Park, and delve into local culture and festivals. 10.Korčula: Explore the ancient streets, visit Marco Polo's house, and enjoy traditional sword dances and local festivals. Additional Insights: 1. Travel Tips: Essential advice to make the most of your journey. 2. Culinary Delights: Discover the best local dishes and where to find them. 3. Hidden Gems: Off-the-beaten-path attractions that you won’t want to miss. 4. Outdoor Activities: Recommendations for adventures in Croatia’s stunning landscapes. 5. Local Traditions and Festivals: Get to know the cultural festivities that bring Croatia to life Each destination offers a unique blend of history, culture, and adventure waiting to be explored. Indulge in culinary delights, uncover hidden gems, and participate in local traditions that will leave you enchanted. Designed for curious souls and seasoned travelers alike, this guidebook is your essential companion to uncovering the allure of Croatia. Whether you're seeking historical landmarks, off-the-beaten-path adventures, or vibrant festivals, let this guide ignite your sense of wonder and inspire your next unforgettable journey. Unlock the secrets of Croatia today – your journey begins here!




Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia


Book Description

Stroll Dubrovnik's ancient walls, hike the idyllic Julian Alps, and set sail on the glimmering Adriatic: with Rick Steves on your side, Croatia and Slovenia can be yours! Inside Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia you'll find: Comprehensive coverage for spending a week or more in Croatia and Slovenia, with side trips to Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina Rick's strategic advice on how to get the most out of your time and money, with rankings of his must-see favorites Top sights and hidden gems, from Roman ruins in the heart of bustling Split to stunning waterfalls and mountains in Slovenia How to connect with culture: Taste wines at a vineyard in Hvar, tour museums and Baroque churches in Zagreb, and sample seafood fresh from the Adriatic at an open-air market in Dubrovnik Beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps with Rick's candid, humorous insight The best places to eat, sleep, and relax with a glass of local wine Self-guided walking tours of lively towns and fascinating museums Detailed maps for exploring on the go Useful resources including a packing list, Slovenian and Croatian phrase books, a historical overview, and recommended reading Over 800 bible-thin pages include everything worth seeing without weighing you down Complete, up-to-date information on Zagreb, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Istria, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik, the Bay of Kotor, Mostar, Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Logarska Dolina and the Northern Valleys, Ptuj, Maribor, the Karst, Piran, and more Make the most of every day and every dollar with Rick Steves Croatia & Slovenia.







Explaining Croatia’s (non)compliance with EU conditionality on ICTY cooperation: Do external incentives make the difference?


Book Description

For the positive experience with tying progress in negotiations with progress in reform in Central and Eastern Europe, the European Union made its membership offer to the Western Balkans countries conditional on specific democratic principles, most notably (full) cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). Yet, although EU membership is regarded as highly attractive both for political elites and the general public in the region, the erratic record of compliance with ICTY-related EU conditionality in Croatia since 2000 raises questions about the EU’s ability to provide for ‘rule transfer’ and ‘norm diffusion’ in the current enlargement round and poses a puzzle to scholars of international relations and EU enlargement alike. My findings suggest that EU conditionality was rather inconsistently applied toward Croatia. Two main conclusions can be made from this. First, individual member states have gained in influence over enlargement policy that leads to a more politicized use of the conditionality tool undermining its effectiveness. Second, it illustrates the need to place politics in time and to go beyond purely rationalist explanations.




Democratic Transition in Croatia


Book Description

With the fall of communism and the breakup of Yugoslavia, the successor states have faced a historic challenge to create separate, modern democracies from the ashes of the former authoritarian state. Central to the Croatian experience has been the issue of nationalism and whether the Croatian state should be defined as a citizens' state (with members of all nationality groups treated as equal) or as a national state of the Croats (with a consequent privileging of Croatian culture and language, but also with a quota system for members of national minorities). Sabrina P. Ramet and Davorka Mati ́c have gathered here a series of studies by important scholars to examine the development of Croatia in the aftermath of communism and the war that marred the transition. Sixteen scholars of the region discuss the values and institutions central to Croatia's transformation from communism and toward liberal democracy. They discuss economic change, political parties, and the uses of history since 1989. To understand the patterns in Croatia, they examine how civic values have been expressed, reinforced, and sometimes challenged through religion, education, and the media. The implications of nationalism in its various manifestations are treated thematically in all the analyses. This book is a companion volume to a similar study on Slovenia, edited by Sabrina P. Ramet and Danica Fink-Hafner and released in fall 2006. Together, these two works form an important case study in comparison and contrast between two countries in the same region going through the transition from communism to liberal democracy. Scholars and policy makers will find a wealth of material in these two volumes.




The Formation of Croatian National Identity


Book Description

This book assesses the formation of Croatian national identity in the 1990s. It develops a novel framework, calling into question both primordial and modernist approaches to nationalism and national identity, before applying that framework to Croatia. In doing so, the book provides a new way of thinking about how national identity is formed and why it is so important. An explanation is given of how Croatian national identity was formed in the abstract, via a historical narrative that traces centuries of yearning for a national state. The book shows how the government, opposition parties, dissident intellectuals and diaspora groups offered alternative accounts of this narrative in order to legitimise contemporary political programmes based on different versions of national identity. It then looks at how these debates were manifested in social activities as diverse as football, religion, economics and language. This book attempts to make an important contribution to both the way we study nationalism and national identity, and our understanding of post-Yugoslav politics and society.




Amoral Communities


Book Description

In Amoral Communities, Mila Dragojević examines how conditions conducive to atrocities against civilians are created during wartime in some communities. She identifies the exclusion of moderates and the production of borders as the main processes. In these places, political and ethnic identities become linked and targeted violence against civilians becomes both tolerated and justified by the respective authorities as a necessary sacrifice for a greater political goal. Dragojević augments the literature on genocide and civil wars by demonstrating how violence can be used as a political strategy, and how communities, as well as individuals, remember episodes of violence against civilians. The communities on which she focuses are Croatia in the 1990s and Uganda and Guatemala in the 1980s. In each case Dragojević considers how people who have lived peacefully as neighbors for many years are suddenly transformed into enemies, yet intracommunal violence is not ubiquitous throughout the conflict zone; rather, it is specific to particular regions or villages within those zones. Reporting on the varying wartime experiences of individuals, she adds depth, emotion, and objectivity to the historical and socioeconomic conditions that shaped each conflict. Furthermore, as Amoral Communities describes, the exclusion of moderates and the production of borders limit individuals' freedom to express their views, work to prevent the possible defection of members of an in-group, and facilitate identification of individuals who are purportedly a threat. Even before mass killings begin, Dragojević finds, these and similar changes will have transformed particular villages or regions into amoral communities, places where the definition of crime changes and violence is justified as a form of self-defense by perpetrators.