The collapse of Yugoslavia in the 20th century was the result of a multitude of wars and conflicts that plagued Southeast Europe for over a hundred years. The appalling cruelties of the past still linger in many hearts and minds in large parts of the region, resulting in ongoing violent confrontation, one of the reasons for the continued deployment of the UN blue helmet soldiers. For some people, it is impossible to forget the bloody past.

This documentary series gets to the bottom of the causes of the conflicts and wars. The statements of contemporary witnesses and international experts assist the investigation of the south eastern crisis. It is an examination of the genesis of the state, the era of dictator Tito, the Jugoslav wars of the 1990s, as well as the influence of the past on the present.

Produced by ZDF 2019.

Chapter 1: Tinderbox Yugoslavia
We begin with the search for traces in Yugoslavia's prehistory. Under the influence of changing rulers and empires, the country's structure is formed over centuries as home to five nationalities with three languages and four different religions. However, in the early 20th century, the first ethnic conflicts begin. Only after World War II does the popular hero and captivating dictator Tito succeed in uniting a peaceful Yugoslavia. But after his death, the country plunges into chaos.

Chapter 2: A State Falls Apart
We are in the fateful year of Yugoslavia's first free elections since World War II: 1990. It is the hour of the nationalists, and the collapse of the multi-ethnic state is only a matter of time. When Slovenia and Croatia declare independence, Yugoslavia sinks into civil war. There are mass expulsions, systematic rapes and brutal murders in Croatia and Bosnia. For a long time, the international community merely looks on idly.

Chapter 3: Yugoslavia in Ruins
The Srebrenica massacre is a wake-up call for the international community, which decides to intervene after four years of war. That same year, the warring parties sign a peace treaty.

But war soon breaks out again, this time in Kosovo. NATO intervenes and ends the fighting - a controversial mission without a UN mandate. The Balkans are still regarded as a powder keg.

The wars of the 1990s have set the region back economically; reconciliation is still difficult today.