Ever sinces its independence in 1991, Macedonia has made remarkable progress towards building a pluralistic, multi-ethnic civil society. Yet if the international community supports the legitimacy of Macedonia as a state it has direct responsibility to anchor its future. No matter what view one subscribes to, one stubborn truth remains: Macedonia cannot achieve success on its own. This book provides observations that offer valuable lessons on this little known but remarkable part of Europe.

This work provides a review of the historical basis for Macedonia's identity and its emergence as a separate nation during Socialist Yugoslavia (1944-1991). It takes a detailed look at the events and personalities that lead to the outbreak of civil war in 1991. This book contains aspects of the Ohrid Framework Agreement and perspectives on the contemporary situation following the elections of September 2002. Personal interviews with the first and second presidents of the Repulic of Macedonia are also included.