The fundamental character of the Balkans in the 20th century is reflected in contemporary conflicts and influences the relationship between history, religion and memory. The memory culture of archbishop Alojzije Stepinac of Zagreb is particularly illustrative: in Croatia, he is perceived as a victim of the communist dictatorship and a Catholic martyr, whereas in Serbia, he is presented as a war criminal, condemned in 1946 for collaboration with the ustasha regime and nazi Germany. The Catholic Church plays a major role in the promo¬tion of Stepinac, emphasizing his acts of heroism while putting patriotism and faith on the same level. Politicians, starting with president Franjo Tuđman in the 1990s, fan the flames in ardent speeches and sometimes even rehabilitate parts of the ustasha regime, while con¬stantly victimizing the Croatian nation under Tito. The 20th century becomes a tool of na¬tionalism and revisionism, reinforcing discord and conflicts in the Balkans.
