Book SummaryThe Sleepwalkers, by Christopher Clark

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The rise of nationalistic feelings within Serbia and the subsequent impact on the cohesion of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Clark illuminates the tense relationship between Serbia and Austria-Hungary, exploring the growth of nationalistic fervor within Serbia, especially the idea of enlarging the Serbian nation.

The ambition to bring all ethnic Serbs together under one national umbrella profoundly shaped Serbia's national identity.

Clark suggests that the evolution of Serbian national identity was influenced by a prolonged struggle to regain lands considered Serbian from foreign control, particularly the Ottoman Empire, and by a desire to unite all Serbs within a larger independent nation. In 1844, Ilija Garasanin penned the foundational document Nacertanije, laying the groundwork for the policy of territorial growth. Serbia, subsequent to the year 1903, sought expression in the legend of Kosovo and through clandestine organizations that advocated for territorial claims.

Following 1903, the political landscape in Serbia was significantly influenced by a nationalistic doctrine that emphasized the necessity to extend the country's frontiers, a concept originating from Garasanin's Nacertanije.

In 1844, Garasanin drafted a confidential strategic plan known as Nacertanije for Prince Alexandar Karadjordjevic, which established the groundwork for Serbia's foreign policy tactics. After 1903, Clark observes that Nacertanije established two core principles that became increasingly influential in the political landscape of Serbia. The idea was focused on consolidating all individuals of Serbian descent into a single political unit, encompassing the recognized autonomous kingdom and extending to areas with Serbian communities in neighboring territories and empires. Garasanin proclaimed that lands where Serbs resided were intrinsically within Serbia's realm. The second key principle posited that the roots of Serbian national identity can be traced back to the vast medieval empire established by Stepan Dusan, which spanned a significant portion of the Balkans. Garasanin regarded the creation of a more expansive Serbia as a manifestation of the nation's long-standing historical rights, rather than as a new concept. Our conduct must be interpreted not as a deliberate effort to instigate a radical shift or incite a substantial alteration; rather, it should be acknowledged as a political necessity that is intrinsically linked to and arises from the Serbs' longstanding political and national identity. Clark suggests that Nacertanije forged a connection between Serbia's aspirations for territorial expansion and its purported ancestral roots tracing back to the Middle Ages, an idea that would echo in Serbia's political conversations for an extended period.

The heritage of epic poetry from Serbia played a substantial role in fostering a broader sense of national identity among Serbs, demonstrating the power of cultural memories to spark nationalist feelings within this group.

Clark explores the way in which Serbia's oral epic poetry tradition cultivated a collective national consciousness among its citizens. Serbia's traditional folk music, which mirrors the nation's predominantly agricultural society of peasant composition, is deeply entwined with its historical narrative. In the countryside and trading centers across Serbian lands, these ballads maintained the memory of Serbia's defiance against foreign control and fostered hopes for an expanded Serbian nation, especially by often alluding to the significant 1389 Battle of Kosovo, an emblematic confrontation between Serbian principles and the Ottoman opposition. The stories praised the concept of killing for nationalistic purposes, as exemplified by Milos Obilić, who, as the legend goes, killed the leader of the Ottoman forces during the battle at Kosovo, an act associated with the ideals of self-sacrifice, vengeance, and giving one's life for a belief.

Serbia's ambition to expand its territory, which led to the rationalization of hostile maneuvers in Macedonia and Bosnia to reclaim territories deemed Serbian, highlights the intrinsic link between the drive for national unification and the resulting clashes with neighboring countries and empires.

Clark delves into how Serbian nationalist factions impacted the situation, analyzing their violent confrontations with Ottoman troops in Macedonia and subsequent hostilities with Austria-Hungary in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which contributed to escalating the crisis. Following the unsuccessful uprising against the Turks in August 1903, the recently formed government in Belgrade under the Karadjordjevic leadership set up multiple panels to coordinate and aid the activities of Serbian guerrilla forces in Macedonia. The involvement of active-duty officers and the use of government resources suggested that, although not formally incorporated, these entities had provided their backing to the Serbian military. Clark underscores that the involvement of Belgrade in these activities was indicative of a core principle that underpinned Serbia's diplomatic tactics before the year 1914. Garasanin argued that, due to political circumstances, it was not feasible to provide open support after the 1848 rebellion of Serbians within the southern areas of the Habsburg Empire. Let us now move forward by offering them subtle support. After 1903, Serbia implemented a foreign policy characterized by bold objectives and cautious strategies, according to Clark. The Serbs aimed to unite all Serbian communities, but this endeavor faced obstacles due to deficiencies in their political and military structures, which led to the need for clandestine support of rebel groups in contested border areas.

The foreign policy of Serbia, marked by unpredictable actions and a tendency to change direction when opportunities arise, highlights the disparity between its aspirations and real power.

Clark also...

The Sleepwalkers Summary The escalating strains and splits within the network of European pacts, as well as the dynamic interactions and rivalries among the key nations.

Clark then explores how the interplay of power, territorial ambitions, and alliances among Europe's foremost countries set the stage for extensive conflict.

The formation of the Franco-Russian alliance in 1894 primarily stemmed from the need to counterbalance Germany's growing power, underscoring the critical influence of Franco-German rivalry in the formation of Europe's diplomatic contours.

The formation of the Franco-Russian alliance in 1894 was a critical turning point that set the stage for a time when the alliances would dictate the geopolitical landscape of Europe. The creation of the German Empire in 1871 considerably shifted the balance of power in Europe, leaving France in a precarious military stance.

France pursued a partnership with Russia as a counterbalance to Germany's expanding power, aiming to bolster its own international standing and demonstrating how Germany's rise disrupted the balance of power in Europe.

France regarded the recent alliance as a strategic maneuver designed to curtail and balance the influence of Germany. France's enduring resentment stemming from the harsh loss in the 1870 war and the subsequent ceding of Alsace-Lorraine...

The Sleepwalkers Summary A sequence of pivotal circumstances and decisions progressively laid the groundwork for the outbreak of the First World War.

Clark's analysis explores the intricate factors that contributed to the initiation of hostilities in 1914, scrutinizing how the combination of institutional structures, various forms of communication, both formal and informal, and the unique characteristics and relationships of key individuals influenced the creation of diplomatic and military strategies.

The Habsburg monarchy's vacillating approach to policy-making intensified the growing strains in its relationship with Serbia after 1903, underscoring the difficulties inherent in governing empires with diverse ethnic compositions.

Clark scrutinizes the decision-making processes and methodologies employed by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Here he highlights multiple factors that made Austria-Hungary especially vulnerable to the chaos sparked by the expansionist ambitions of Serbia and the increasing sway of Russia, despite the country's progress in industrial and economic growth.

The complexities in managing foreign conflicts were exacerbated by the tensions within Vienna's political landscape following the reorganization of power after the 1867 Austro-Hungarian Compromise.

Clark argues that the 1867 Compromise,...