The Bosnian War (1992–1995) and Russia’s Response: Chinese Historiography from the 1995 Dayton Accords to the Present

Abstract

The article examines Chinese historiography regarding Russia’s policy, actions, and role in the Bosnian conflict (1992–1995). The author analyzes the evolution of Chinese scholarly perspectives on Russia’s diplomatic efforts during the Yugoslav crisis and identifies key trends in how Moscow’s position is interpreted within China’s academic community. Particular attention is given to how Chinese researchers assess the impact of the Bosnian conflict on the formation of post-Soviet Russia’s foreign policy, its relations with the West, and its standing in the international arena. The study also considers how Chinese historians’ analytical approaches have shifted in response to changes in the global geopolitical environment over the past decades. Three primary thematic pillars are highlighted: Russia’s historical ties with the peoples of the former Yugoslavia (specifically the Serbs), Russia’s geopolitical interests in the Balkans, and the dynamics of its relations with Western states. The early 1990s consensus that Russia’s post-1992 foreign policy harmed its national interests gradually shifted toward a more nuanced assessment. Chinese historiography emphasizes the steady transition of Russian diplomacy from ideologically driven approaches to a more pragmatic policy centered on national interests.

Received: 01.11.2025.
Revised: 07.02.2026.
Accepted: 17.03.2026.

Citation
Yan Lei. The Bosnian War (1992–1995) and Russia’s Response: Chinese Historiography from the 1995 Dayton Accords to the Present // Slavic Almanac. 2026. No. 1–2. P. 217–249 (in Russian). DOI: 10.31168/2073-5731.2026.1-2.10