While not entirely uncritical of the major Western powers, Rogel (emeritus, history, Ohio State U.) hews fairly closely to their standard narrative for understanding the disintegration of Yugoslavia in the 1990s and the resulting warfare. Writing for a lay audience, she explores the history of Tito's Yugoslavia, discusses the development of the war in Bosnia-Hercegovina, the "collective embarrassment" of the "bumbling" major powers in dealing with the crisis, the war in Kosovo, and the war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Also included are biographical sketches of important figures, a glossary, a brief annotated bibliography, and a collection of primary documents featuring UN resolutions and political declarations by various actors. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)