| Summary: | The recent (2001) crisis inside the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) concerning its Albanian ethnic minority did not come as a surprise to the southeastern European as well as the international security chessboard. It had nearly been predicted from the first years of the new state's independent life, and confirmed by most analysts during and after the war in Kosovo (1998-99). This thesis will examine the survivability of the small post-cold war Balkan state, in relation to the historical background of the Macedonian Questiongas, the so-called Macedonian Identitygas, the resurgence of nationalist inclinations in the area, the ethnic minorities (especially the Albanian one), the economy, and the regional (four neighboring states) as well as the international relations of FYROM. The author will argue that prevention of conflict in FYROM is urgent for the stability of all the Balkans, and has to be coordinated from the international community towards all governmental and non-governmental actors involved. Integration of FYROM into European institutions provides a reliable measure. Respect and protection of human/civil rights of minorities, as well as democratization of the civilian sector are also dominant factors for the survival of the multi-ethnic nation. Ethnic minorities should finally develop proper political, social, and economic relationships with majority populations in order to work together for the common well being.
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