One should not underestimate, under any circumstances, the rather dubious role the "great powers" have played in the Balkans. The Russians (then Soviets) have been trying to get a foothold in the Balkans from god knows when (somehow the Rus sieging Constantinople comes in mind...) and after 1204 the "Westeners" have never left the Balkans alone. Of course that's - almost - ancient history, but the role UK, France, Austria and Russia played in the wake of the Balkan nationalism (19th century) the way they manipulated the locals to serve their aims and geostrategical goals, should say something. Also, the role Germany, Italy and of course USA played in the Yugoslavian issue, is quite revealing.

Truth is, the fact that Balkans are a relatively small area, with lots of different (or "different") ethnic groups, is not helping the issue. But it's more than just "nationalism". The separatist movements are being used by the great powers of today for their own purposes, since the Balkans are such a geopolitical "grand prix" that they cannot be left to their own people.

I am not blaming all the misery around here to outside intervention, I am just saying that things could be alot different if the Balkan people wouldn't have to serve outside goals and aims all the time.