What were the main causes and consequences of the French involvement in the Bosnian War?

The Bosnian War, which lasted from 1992 to 1995, was a complex conflict that involved multiple parties and had far-reaching consequences. France was one of the countries that got involved in the conflict, sending troops and providing other forms of support to the Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) and Croat forces.

One of the main causes of France's involvement in the Bosnian War was its desire to maintain its status as a major player in international affairs. At the time, France saw itself as a mediator and a protector of the Muslim population in the Balkans. Its involvement was also motivated by the desire to protect French interests in the region, including economic interests.

France's involvement in the Bosnian War had several consequences. On the positive side, French troops played a crucial role in preventing the fall of the Bosniak enclave of Bihac, which would have been a major blow to the Bosniak cause. France also contributed to the establishment of the Dayton Agreement, which ended the war and created the current political structure of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

On the negative side, France's involvement in the Bosnian War was marred by several controversies. The French forces were accused of providing military aid to the Bosniak forces in violation of the UN arms embargo, and some French soldiers were implicated in war crimes, including the Srebrenica massacre.