Economic globalisation has produced austere social jeopardy in extended parts of post-communist Europe with former Yugoslavia and its successor states as the most conspicuous example. This state is exploited, sanctioned and nourished by authoritarian ethnocratic regimes and misconceived Western policies may contribute to its persistence. Bringing new perspectives to bear on these crucial issues, Scramble for the Balkans is essential for scholars and professionals concerned with social reconstruction in the world's increasing number of complex emergencies.