Diversity has always been at the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina's
character; even its dual name and physical geography display a
particular heterogeneity. The medieval Bosnian state never enjoyed
lasting political and ideological unity as its feudal, regional, and
religious rifts pulled at the country's seams. Furthermore, because of
its location and by a quirk of history, three major world religious and
cultural traditions (Catholicism, Islam, and Orthodoxy) became
cohabitants in this small Balkan country. Recently, the rebirth of its
statehood has been exceptionally bloody and its diversity has been
shaken. Even eleven years after the guns were silenced, the country is
still under the "benevolent" protection of the international community,
whose officials are keeping the state-building process in perpetual
suspense, with no final result in sight. The second edition of the
Historical Dictionary of Bosnia and Herzegovina sheds light on the
uncertain situation Bosnia and Herzegovina faces, while providing
essential background information. This is accomplished through a
chronology, an introduction, a bibliography, and more than 300
cross-referenced dictionary entries on individual topics spanning Bosnia
and Herzegovina's political, economic, religious, and social system
along with short biographies on important figures.