ALT The language and style of this book are precise and well-articulated while the thought is clear and inventive – the author deftly coined the metaphorical phrase “paramilitary ecology”, alluding to social context and suitable “ecosystem” that favored the maturation of paramilitary consciousness. Compared to other academic works of this type, Vukušić’s volume radiates documentary diversity, credibility and the eloquence derived from both her education and the “obsession” to master as much of the icty testimonies as possible. The author’s keen sense for choosing characteristic quotes is also evident, although the endnote system occasionally slows down the reading.

ALT However, this extensive research showed that paramilitaries were used as a cover for the Serbian regime’s wartime engagement, from which follows a “didactic” conclusion: the state itself ultimately suffers from the units it founded and supported for its short-term goals. Due to the objective interpretation of reliable sources, the book will be indispensable literature to all researchers of the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, regardless of ethnic, ideological, religious, or political positions.