The Wars of Yugoslav Succession were a series of conflicts that occurred in the 1990s following the breakup of the former socialist state of Yugoslavia. These wars involved several republics, including Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, as they sought independence and self-determination. Ethnic tensions, historical grievances, and political struggles fueled the violence, leading to significant loss of life and displacement. The conflicts were marked by brutal fighting, ethnic cleansing, and widespread human rights violations. International intervention, including NATO's involvement, aimed to stabilize the region and bring about peace. The wars officially ended with the signing of various peace agreements, such as the Dayton Agreement in 1995, but their legacy continues to affect the Balkans today.