Enigmatic Bosnia Matters: Coexistence in Bavljinje during the Light and Darkness of Yugoslavia’s War

Constructive stories of coexistence during protracted interethnic conflict are rare; however, they have important implications for interethnic reconciliation and peacemaking (Senehi, 2002). The events that took place in the village of Bavljinje highlight the humanity displayed by neighbors in the midst of ethnic cleansing. Such stories illustrate that positive relationships can prevail in interethnic warfare and can be an important source of healing form the trauma of violent ethnic conflict. The story of Bavljinje also indicates the complexity of intergroup conflict and the need of such powerful metaphors in the postconflict peacebuilding process.