The Balkans is a region in Southeast Europe that has experienced significant turmoil due to rising nationalism among its diverse ethnic groups. From the early 19th century, various nations sought independence from Ottoman Empire control, leading to conflicts and the eventual Balkan Wars in the early 20th century. These tensions were exacerbated by the involvement of Great Powers like Austria-Hungary and Russia, each supporting different factions to expand their influence. The aftermath of World War I saw the creation of new states, but ethnic rivalries persisted, culminating in the violent breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The region has since struggled with issues of identity, governance, and reconciliation, while the influence of NATO and the European Union has aimed to stabilize the area. The legacy of these conflicts continues to shape the Balkans today.