THE SENTIMENTS OF CROATIAN HOMELAND WAR VETERANS TOWARDS WARTIME COMRADES, FAMILIES, AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL, 30 YEARS AFTER THE WAR
THE SENTIMENTS OF CROATIAN HOMELAND WAR VETERANS TOWARDS WARTIME COMRADES, FAMILIES, AND SOCIETY IN GENERAL, 30 YEARS AFTER THE WAR

Summary/Abstract: The reintegration of veterans into civil society after military experience presents a challenge for individuals and governments alike, with social ties and institutional support being key factors in facilitating this transition. To gain insight into how the Croatian Homeland War veterans coped with these challenges 30 years after the war, we conducted semistructured focus groups (N = 17). We explored how connected they feel to the different segments of society, such as their families, comrades, other Homeland War participants, and other citizens of Croatia and Europe, and the quality of communication with relevant institutions and decision-makers. The findings attest to lasting feelings of cohesion among veterans who have shared their warpath and experiences, the importance of veteran organisations, and the supportive effect of their families. Corrupt policies, resulting in a hyperinflated number of declared veterans who haven't been subject to wartime experiences, hinder a broader connection between veterans. The institutions mainly provide adequate support.

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