Seldom have events more dramatically demonstrated that it is better to be lucky than smart. The popular uprising that ousted Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic happened despite, not because, of Clinton administration policy. A U.S. foreign policy based on humility, as suggested by Republican presidential contender George W. Bush, rather than on hubris, as advanced by Vice President Al Gore, would promote a safer, more stable world.
The Balkans has long been in turmoil. Thirteen years ago, Milosevic used Serb nationalism to catapult into power. Never a full dictator, he maintained control through domination of the media, manipulation of the electoral system, and exploitation of a divided opposition.
And by playing on nationalist sentiments. In this he was not alone: His Croatian counterpart, Franjo Tudjman, was equally opportunistic.