Good intentions without strategic interests shaped a harmful US policy in Bosnia

Evidence

American idealism, moralism, humanitarian instincts, naivete, and ignorance concerning the Balkans thus led them to be pro-Bosnian and anti-Serb. At the same time the absence of both significant American security interests in Bosnia and any cultural connection gave the U.S. government no reason to do much to help the Bosnians except to allow the Iranians and Saudis to arm them. By refusing to recognize the war for what it was, the American government alienated its allies, prolonged the fighting, and helped to create in the Balkans a Muslim state heavily influenced by Iran. — Samuel P. Huntington, The Clash of Civilizations and the…, 799

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the broader theme of moralistic humanitarian foreign policy backfiring, as in interventions in the Middle East.