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Transcript

The Tiger of Serbia

Željko Ražnatović and the Legacy of "Arkan's Tigers"

In this episode, we dive into the chilling story of Željko Ražnatović, better known as Arkan, and the infamous paramilitary group he commanded during the Yugoslav Wars: "Arkan’s Tigers." Known for their brutal tactics and alleged war crimes, the Tigers became a symbol of the chaos and violence that consumed the Balkans in the 1990s.

Arkan himself was a polarizing figure—a career criminal, nationalist leader, and alleged war criminal. We explore his early life as an Interpol-wanted bank robber, his rise to prominence during the disintegration of Yugoslavia, and his carefully curated image as both a patriot and feared military leader.

We’ll also examine the Tigers' operations and how they were implicated in some of the most heinous acts of the war. Finally, we’ll discuss Arkan’s death in 2000, the political forces at play, and how his legacy continues to haunt Serbia and the broader Balkan region.

Tune in to uncover the dark complexities of Arkan’s story and the Tigers’ enduring shadow in modern history.


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