My Journey from the War in Bosnia to SAIS

On February 13, the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies Foreign Policy Institute (FPI) hosted a conversation with SAIS alumnus Jasmin Cesko and FPI Senior Fellow Edward P. Joseph on their experiences in Bosnia in July 1995. Jasmin Cesko fled his hometown of Zepa in 1995 under threat of genocide, while Edward Joseph coordinated the evacuation of Zepa as a UN official.

Mr. Cesko described his upbringing in Zepa and the adversity faced by its people during a period of war and genocide. He and Professor Joseph detailed the heroism displayed by the people of Zepa in defending their community, which ultimately enabled the town’s evacuation. Mr. Cesko underscored the continued importance of preserving historical memory and dialogue.

Professor Edward Joseph also highlighted the importance of reversing — not just containing — the alarming deterioration in the Balkans. His full publication on the topic is available at the Wilson Center.