As tensions mounted and incidents of interethnic violence occurred, nationalist politicians and the media contributed to the “production of fear” that characterized much of Yugoslav discourse....

As tensions mounted and incidents of interethnic violence occurred, nationalist politicians and the media contributed to the “production of fear” that characterized much of Yugoslav discourse. Although the causes of the violence are complex, ethnic nationalism clearly played a role in solidifying group identity and creating rigid boundaries among the various ethnic groups. By culturally constructing groups in opposition to each other, people came to see themselves and their group as distinct from all others.